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Engineering Science

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Engineering Science

Engineering Science graduates earn $93,782 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Engineering Science

Engineering Science is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $93,782 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 96 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,338 students complete this program each year. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $73,720
Median Earnings · 4yr: $93,782
Colleges Offering: 96
Graduates / Year: 1,338
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,507

How Much Do Engineering Science Graduates Earn?

Engineering Science graduates earn $93,782 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $69,219 and $118,979.

$73,720

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$93,782

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$90,246

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Engineering Science graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$69,219 25th pct.

$93,782 Median

$118,979 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $93,782 against an estimated $78,028 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 60 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,338 students who complete Engineering Science programs each year, the majority (37%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

26% 37% 27%

Bachelor's 37%

Master's 27%

Associate's 26%

What Can You Do With an Engineering Science Degree?

Engineering Science connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architectural & Engineering Manager

$171,270

$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

↗ +8.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Engineering Teachers

$109,270

$82K $151K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 4,100 openings/yr 40K employed nationally

Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Engineering Science

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Engineering Science students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	183	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
2	Dartmouth College Hanover, NH · Nonprofit	104	5.4%	$29,519	$97,434
3	Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CT · Public	58	Open	$11,513	$41,344
4	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	51	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
5	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN · Nonprofit	48	11.3%	$26,780	$99,980
6	University of Toledo Toledo, OH · Public	38	92%	$17,249	$50,632
7	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	37	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
8	Kettering University Flint, MI · Nonprofit	35	78.7%	$34,660	$94,823
9	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, OH · Public	33	96.3%	$15,415	$49,500
10	Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJ · Public	33	Open	$6,778	$48,145
11	University of Mississippi University, MS · Public	32	96.6%	$13,314	$50,994
12	University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA · Public	32	74.3%	$12,384	$47,872
13	Yale University New Haven, CT · Nonprofit	31	3.9%	$23,777	$100,533
14	Trinity University San Antonio, TX · Nonprofit	31	25.9%	$23,464	$71,668
15	Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN · Nonprofit	30	5.9%	$15,846	$91,565
16	Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC · Public	29	75.3%	$13,966	$47,258
17	Middlesex College Edison, NJ · Public	28	Open	$2,288	$46,861
18	Hudson County Community College Jersey City, NJ · Public	25	Open	$7,307	$34,333
19	Smith College Northampton, MA · Nonprofit	25	21%	$27,579	$64,027
20	Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit	22	11.7%	$31,944	$114,862

View all colleges

Ranked by Engineering Science graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Engineering Science program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Engineering Science degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Engineering Science Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Engineering Science a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $93,782 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 18,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $118,979, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Engineering Science Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Engineering Science graduates earn?

Engineering Science graduates earn a national median of $93,782 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $69,219 and $118,979. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Engineering Science degree?

One year after graduation, Engineering Science degree holders earn a median of $73,720. That climbs to $93,782 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Engineering Science degree?

Engineering Science degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Engineering Science program take?

A Engineering Science bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Engineering Science?

96 colleges and universities in the United States offer Engineering Science programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Engineering Science degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $93,782 and an average net price of roughly $19,507/yr, a Engineering Science degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Engineering Science and Engineering?

Engineering Science is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Engineering Science-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Engineering Science graduates?

Employers hiring Engineering Science graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Engineering Science graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Engineering Science graduates?

The job outlook for Engineering Science graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.