College ROI

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Engineering Mechanics Physics And Science

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Engineering Mechanics Physics And Science.

Entry Level Salary
$61,763
Median Salary
$128,672
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
17.8%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $5,146,880
Entry (Early)
$61,763
Median (Prime)
$128,672
High (Prime)
$137,196

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+97k
+637k
+705k
$25k / yr
+7k
+547k
+615k
$50k / yr
-83k
+457k
+525k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
32
24
24
$25k / yr
59
26
26
$50k / yr
Never
29
28

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
6%
503%
565%
$50k / yr
-38%
210%
241%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate52.4%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Software developers

9.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$102,938
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Engineers, All Other

7.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$85,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$128,672|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Postsecondary teachers

5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,380|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Management occupations

5.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$126,313
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$194,328|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Mechanical engineers

3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$76,101
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$95,394|$104,110
openings
17,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.2%

Physical scientists, all other

3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$138,966|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Aerospace engineers

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,057
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$154,089|$134,960
openings
3,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.3%

Teaching assistants

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$30,881
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,881|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Civil engineers

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$103,237|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Electrical and electronics engineers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$125,040
openings
16,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.8%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
engineering mechanics.Bachelor's Degree6$89,617 - $101,509
engineering mechanics.Master's Degree6Data N/A
engineering science.Associate's Degree19$66,762 - $88,445
engineering science.Bachelor's Degree37$78,959 - $113,749
engineering science.Master's Degree16$108,035 - $141,367
engineering science.Doctoral Degree12Data N/A
paper science and engineering.Bachelor's Degree2$99,625 - $102,825