University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS

Mechanical Engineering

at University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $64,974/yr starting out — that's 117% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 2.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,059/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $79,889 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$26,751/yr

Starting Salary

$64,974

Finish Rate

68.8%

$26,751/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $18,059/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $8,692/yr)

4 Years Total

$107,004

Typical Debt

$21,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,653

What You'd Really Pay

$79,889

That's about $239/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$649,740

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$79,889

Pays for Itself In

2.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+117%

Ahead After 10 Years

$569,851

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed24.6/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost15.5/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate10.3/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.