Mechanical Engineering at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's mechanical engineering program hits the sweet spot between strong earnings and manageable debt. Graduates start at $73,603—beating both the national median ($70,744) and placing them in the 68th percentile nationally—while carrying just $27,000 in debt. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income, one of the lowest debt burdens you'll find in engineering.

Within North Dakota's limited engineering landscape, UND holds its own at the 60th percentile, essentially matching North Dakota State's outcomes while keeping debt identical to the state median. The 7% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests steady career progression, though it's not dramatic growth. Given that only 16% of UND students receive Pell grants, the relatively accessible 77% admission rate paired with strong outcomes makes this program appealing for middle-class families seeking reliable returns.

For a mechanical engineering degree that costs less than what many liberal arts majors carry in debt while delivering solidly above-average starting salaries, this represents a low-risk investment. Your child enters the workforce with minimal financial burden and competitive positioning.