Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington

UTA mechanical engineering graduates earn more than the typical Texas ME grad, but the state's competitive landscape tells a more complex story. While first-year earnings of $69,188 place this program in the 60th percentile statewide—outperforming the state median of $66,678—they trail Texas's top programs by $10,000-$13,000 annually. Given that many of these higher-earning competitors are similarly accessible (Texas A&M, UT Austin) or serve comparable student populations, the earnings gap matters more than the percentile ranking suggests.

The financial fundamentals work in your favor. Graduates carry $24,080 in debt against nearly $70,000 in starting pay, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. That's one-third of a single year's salary—reasonable for an engineering degree. The 18% earnings growth to $81,422 by year four demonstrates solid career progression, typical for mechanical engineers who gain experience and professional certifications.

For families weighing cost versus outcome, UTA delivers functional value rather than exceptional returns. The 81% admission rate and substantial Pell Grant enrollment indicate this program serves students who might not access Rice or UT Austin, making it a practical pathway into mechanical engineering. If your child can gain admission to Texas's top-tier programs, the earnings data suggests pursuing those options. But if UTA represents the realistic choice, the numbers support moving forward—just understand you're paying for competent preparation, not premium earnings potential.