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Engineering

STEM Specialization

Engineering

Engineering graduates earn $93,989 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.

Explore Program

About Engineering

Engineering is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $93,989 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 142 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 3,221 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $73,153
Median Earnings · 4yr: $93,989
Colleges Offering: 142
Graduates / Year: 3,221
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,399

How Much Do Engineering Graduates Earn?

Engineering graduates earn $93,989 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,377 and $115,349.

$73,153

1 Year After Graduation

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

$93,989

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$94,278

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 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.

$77,377 25th pct.

$93,989 Median

$115,349 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $93,989 against an estimated $81,596 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 73 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 3,221 students who complete Engineering programs each year, the majority (55%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

24% 55%

Master's 55%

Bachelor's 24%

Doctorate 7%

What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?

Engineering connects to 3 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.

↗ +4.4% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Health & Safety Engineer

$115,160

$91K $143K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,500 openings/yr 21K employed nationally

Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.

Investigate industrial accidents, injuries, or occupational diseases to determine causes and preventive measures.
Conduct research to evaluate safety levels for products.
Evaluate product designs for safety.

↗ +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

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Engineering 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	Northeastern University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	503	5.2%	$30,915	$92,538
2	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	216	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
3	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH · Public	193	59.7%	$13,946	$46,600
4	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	152	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
5	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA · Public	121	90.4%	$14,638	$54,914
6	Stanford University Stanford, CA · Nonprofit	120	3.6%	$13,807	$124,080
7	Northwestern University Evanston, IL · Nonprofit	97	7.7%	$29,167	$89,363
8	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	96	11%	$13,481	$92,446
9	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	95	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
10	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public	81	26.7%	$12,470	$84,943
11	Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO · Public	77	72.6%	$16,298	$82,957
12	University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, MI · Public	73	55.6%	$9,492	$59,649
13	Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO · Nonprofit	65	12.1%	$21,786	$86,182
14	Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit	63	11.7%	$31,944	$114,862
15	Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA · Public	54	91.2%	$19,550	$63,435
16	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	52	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
17	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA · Public	52	92.6%	$23,433	$58,128
18	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	46	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
19	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	43	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
20	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA · Public	43	16.8%	$21,565	$86,863

View all colleges

Ranked by Engineering 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 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 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 Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Engineering 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 $93,989 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 20,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $115,349, 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 Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Engineering graduates earn?

Engineering graduates earn a national median of $93,989 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,377 and $115,349. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Engineering degree?

One year after graduation, Engineering degree holders earn a median of $73,153. That climbs to $93,989 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Engineering degree?

Engineering 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 program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Engineering students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Engineering?

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

Is a Engineering degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $93,989 and an average net price of roughly $20,399/yr, a Engineering 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 skills do employers look for in Engineering graduates?

Employers hiring Engineering 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 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 graduates?

The job outlook for Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.4% 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.