Location: Ames, IA•In-State Tuition: $10,497•Out-of-State Tuition: $27,683•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1199
Median Earnings (1yr)
$98,551
75th percentile
Sample: 46 graduates

Earnings Distribution

How Iowa State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Iowa State University earns $99k — 75th percentile among mechanical engineering masters programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Iowa State University$98,551$100,869+2%
Stanford University$121,408$150,128+24%
Santa Clara University$124,058$134,493+8%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology$155,889$131,008-16%
University of California-Los Angeles$108,892$119,218+9%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$98,551$100,869——
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$155,889$131,008——
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$124,058$134,493——
Stanford UniversityStanford$62,484$121,408$150,128——
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore$63,340$114,588$116,998——
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$112,996———
National Median—$92,510———

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mechanical Engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fuel Cell Engineers

Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Automotive Engineers

Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

$77,070/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Iowa State University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.