Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree · Iowa State University · Ames, IA

CIP 14.19

$72,900Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$85,938Median earnings 4 years after
$88,697Median earnings 5 years after
$22,822Median federal debt
356Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University earn a median of $72,900 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $92,135 four years after graduating (middle half: $77,715–$109,121). Median debt is $22,822, about 31% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.

Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's degree) at other Iowa schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport
$73,622$26,666
University of Iowa
Iowa City
$71,732$22,922

Highest-paying Mechanical Engineering programs nationwide →

Other programs at Iowa State University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Iowa State University make?

The median salary is $72,900 one year after graduation and $88,697 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $22,822.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.