Mechanical Engineering at University of Michigan-Flint

UM-Flint's mechanical engineering program delivers solid earnings that outperform most schools nationally, but there's an important in-state catch: graduates here earn about $6,000 less annually than the Michigan median for mechanical engineering majors. While $74,974 in year one ranks in the 77th percentile nationally, it places this program squarely in the middle of Michigan's competitive engineering landscape—below nearby options like Oakland University and significantly behind UM-Ann Arbor.

The debt picture, however, is genuinely excellent. At $31,000, graduates carry one of the lowest debt burdens for mechanical engineering programs nationwide (5th percentile), and the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means students pay off about five months' salary—very manageable for an engineering degree. That's roughly $6,000 less debt than the state average. The modest 7% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates find stable positions quickly, even if the ceiling isn't as high as Michigan's flagship programs.

For families weighing cost against earning potential, UM-Flint offers a practical path into mechanical engineering without the debt load of pricier alternatives. If your child can access UM-Ann Arbor or Michigan State (both showing stronger earnings trajectories), those might justify slightly higher costs. But for students seeking affordable engineering credentials with reasonable starting salaries, this program delivers on value—especially for those planning to stay in Michigan's manufacturing sector.