Mechanical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T's mechanical engineering program produces graduates earning $75,855 right out of school—about $7,000 more than the typical mechanical engineering grad nationally and roughly $4,000 above Missouri's state median. Among the state's seven programs, it ranks 60th percentile, trailing only private heavyweight Saint Louis University and elite Washington University. For a school with a 73% admission rate, these outcomes are impressive and suggest strong industry connections in the region.

The debt picture reinforces the value: graduates leave with $22,786, below both state and national medians for the field. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means new grads owe less than four months of their starting salary—a comfortable position that allows for aggressive loan repayment or savings. Earnings climb to $83,593 by year four, a 10% gain that tracks with typical engineering career progression as graduates move from entry-level positions into more specialized roles.

This is a straightforward value proposition for Missouri families. You're getting top-tier in-state engineering outcomes at a public school price point, with particularly strong placement relative to the school's accessibility. The program performs in the 82nd percentile nationally while admitting nearly three-quarters of applicants—a combination that's hard to find. For students serious about mechanical engineering but without perfect academic credentials, this delivers competitive results without the reach-school admissions odds.