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Mechanical Engineering Technology at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

Ferris State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 8,087 in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Ferris State University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program earn $56,819/yr in their first year — 29% above the $43,886 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 30.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering Technology's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 31% gap from the optimistic case.

At $15,580 in median debt against $56,819 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #10 of 22 Mechanical Engineering Technology programs, Ferris State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $56,819 to $79,895 over five years — a 41% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Mechanical Engineering Technology offers 49 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
57
Score
58
High End
Earnings $56,819/yr (29% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$859K
8.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
31.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$27,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,580
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,895
41% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760 +1.1% 58%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760
+1.1% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Mechanical Engineering Technology Career Guide

Explore what Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 22 programs nationwide.

Read the full Mechanical Engineering Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

View all 22 schools offering Mechanical Engineering Technology →

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Los Angeles Trade Technical College ($66,574) ECPI University ($64,003) Owens Community College ($61,021) Springfield Technical Community College ($54,793) Tidewater Community College ($54,461) University of Akron Main Campus ($52,177) Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ($49,674) Sinclair Community College ($48,312)

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Precision Metalworking ($68,852) Vehicle Repair Technology ($68,791) Health Administration ($68,630) Quality Control & Safety Technology ($67,753) Precision Metalworking ($56,811) Heavy Equipment Technology ($55,532) Business Administration ($54,060) Human Resources ($53,029)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Mechanical Engineering Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ferris State University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program score?
This program scores 57/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates.
How affordable is Mechanical Engineering Technology at Ferris State University?
At $15,580 in median debt, Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates from Ferris State University carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates?
If Ferris State University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 49 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Mechanical Engineering Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How could AI change the job market for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates?
Our model shows a 31% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Mechanical Engineering Technology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
How many job openings are there for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates?
The large job market (87,000 annual openings) works in favor of Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →