Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH · Public · Associate Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

University of Akron Main Campus accepts 71% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 10,011 students in Akron, OH.

Program Analysis

At $52,177 per year, Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates from University of Akron Main Campus earn slightly above the $43,886 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 27.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $22,999 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #12 of 22 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs, University of Akron Main Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $52,177 to $67,502 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
55
Score
56
High End
Earnings $52,177/yr (19% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$709K
6.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
27.7x
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 (In-State)
$25,598
Out-of-state: $34,478
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,999
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,502
29% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies 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 →

About Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies Careers

Your skills will put you at the heart of how things work, whether in a bustling auto shop or a high-tech manufacturing lab. On any given day, you might be using diagnostic scanners and wrenches to pinpoint an engine problem in a modern vehicle, getting your hands dirty to make the fix. Alternatively, you could be working alongside engineers, using precision instruments and CAD software to test a new aerospace component or calibrate the robotic arms on an assembly line. This hands-on expertise is your career's foundation, tackling real-world problems that can't be solved from a desk or automated away.

Read the full Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies Overview

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Akron Main Campus

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Akron Main Campus's Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies program score?
At 55/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Are there apprenticeship options for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies?
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies connects to 49 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates?
With approximately 87,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →