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General Engineering

STEM Specialization

General Engineering

General Engineering graduates earn $89,359 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 General Engineering

General Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $89,359 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 780 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 12,241 students complete this program each year. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $68,331
Median Earnings · 4yr: $89,359
Colleges Offering: 780
Graduates / Year: 12,241
Avg Net Price / yr: $18,313

How Much Do General Engineering Graduates Earn?

General Engineering graduates earn $89,359 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $73,449 and $108,835.

$68,331

1 Year After Graduation

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

$89,359

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$88,063

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 General 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.

$73,449 25th pct.

$89,359 Median

$108,835 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $89,359 against an estimated $73,252 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 273 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 12,241 students who complete General Engineering programs each year, the majority (37%) earn a associate's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

37% 23% 32%

Associate's 37%

Master's 32%

Bachelor's 23%

What Can You Do With a General Engineering Degree?

General Engineering 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 General Engineering

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many General 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	University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public	457	74.2%	$20,995	$70,814
2	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	384	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
3	Northeastern University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	243	5.2%	$30,915	$92,538
4	Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public	232	Open	$9,919	$53,557
5	Brown University Providence, RI · Nonprofit	204	5.4%	$25,184	$93,487
6	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	174	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
7	University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL · Public	168	88.2%	$18,749	$54,501
8	Lamar University Beaumont, TX · Public	160	86.4%	$9,366	$49,652
9	Dartmouth College Hanover, NH · Nonprofit	155	5.4%	$29,519	$97,434
10	Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA · Nonprofit	144	83%	$49,430	$45,954
11	Mercer University Macon, GA · Nonprofit	138	68.9%	$23,847	$58,354
12	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA · Public	132	90.4%	$14,638	$54,914
13	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	123	9%	$12,548	$82,511
14	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	112	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
15	University of Houston Houston, TX · Public	111	73.9%	$14,276	$62,377
16	Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS · Public	111	Open	$6,962	$33,017
17	Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC · Public	104	Open	$8,759	$41,769
18	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	101	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
19	Montgomery College Rockville, MD · Public	100	Open	$8,027	$50,159
20	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR · Public	96	74.3%	$18,209	$58,191

View all colleges

Ranked by General 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 General 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 General 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.

General Engineering Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make General 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 $89,359 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $68,331 at graduation to $89,359 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
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.

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.

General Engineering Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do General Engineering graduates earn?

General Engineering graduates earn a national median of $89,359 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $73,449 and $108,835. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a General Engineering degree?

One year after graduation, General Engineering degree holders earn a median of $68,331. That climbs to $89,359 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a General Engineering degree?

General 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 General Engineering program take?

A General Engineering associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.

How many colleges offer General Engineering?

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

Is a General Engineering degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $89,359 and an average net price of roughly $18,313/yr, a General 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 is the difference between General Engineering and Engineering?

General Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to General Engineering-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 General Engineering graduates?

Employers hiring General 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 General 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 General Engineering graduates?

The job outlook for General Engineering 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.