Compare 7 Mechanical Engineering. programs in Alabama. Average earnings: $81,738.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Mechanical Engineering tells a different story. Across 7 programs in Alabama, earnings range from $70,527 to $89,443—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Tuskegee University's Mechanical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $89,443, well above the state average of $81,738. Auburn University follows at $83,548, while UAH delivers $83,433—proof that program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand recognition.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Auburn graduates borrow $21,000 and face just a 4.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, UAH leads with a 9.9% family burden, showing that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Tuskegee UniversityPrivate | $89,443 | 41 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,000 | Challenging |
| #2 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $83,548 | 242 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Manageable |
| #3 | $83,433 | 122 | $20,705 | Excellent | $20,297 | Good | |
| #4 | $83,433 | 407 | $22,750 | Excellent | $48,666 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $83,325 | 67 | $24,929 | Excellent | $26,683 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $78,456 | 33 | $22,300 | Excellent | $20,498 | Good | |
| #7 | Alabama A & M UniversityPublic | $70,527 | 41 | $31,000 | Good | $19,266 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
