Mechanical Engineering Technology 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 Technology 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 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 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 Technology 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 Technology 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 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Mechanical Engineering Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Mechanical Engineering Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

Mechanical Engineering Technology 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 Technology program score?
At 55/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering Technology 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 Technology?
Yes — 49 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Mechanical Engineering Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at University of Akron Main Campus.
Is there demand for Mechanical Engineering Technology workers?
With approximately 87,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Mechanical Engineering Technology offers a large employment pool. University of Akron Main Campus graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →