The real deal is that out of college, with a mechanical engineering degree in the automotive field, you will make between 40 and 50K. If you can't get at east 40, look somewhere else. A good job will pay a little over 50. My first job out of U of Mich engineering (Class of 2000) paid me 48K, which was more than a lot of my classmates. 6 months later, I got a job with Tokico making 50K + company car (2000 Grand Pix GT)and insurance. Thats pretty damn good for 1 year out. Honestly, I know ME's that took jobs in Aerospace or computer or medical that ARE making 60-70K. That won't happen in Automotive though. By the way, I'm slvrSVT00's older bro.