College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
Back to Search
General

General Engineering

Share

Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for General Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$64,311
Median Salary
$115,857
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.2%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,634,280
Entry (Early)
$64,311
Median (Prime)
$115,857
High (Prime)
$121,455

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
+118k
+535k
+579k
$25k / yr
+28k
+445k
+489k
$50k / yr
-62k
+355k
+399k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
31
24
24
$25k / yr
49
27
27
$50k / yr
Never
31
30

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
26%
409%
450%
$50k / yr
-29%
163%
184%
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 Rate36.6%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Engineers, All Other

7.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$78,946
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$113,232|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Civil engineers

6.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,873
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Management occupations

6.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,203
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

6.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$91,091
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,028|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Mechanical engineers

3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$104,271|$104,110
openings
17,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.2%

Top executives

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,188
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$200,000|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,946
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$104,000|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

Aerospace engineers

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$91,107
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$134,960
openings
3,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.3%

Management analysts

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

Project management specialists

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,388
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

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, general.Undergrad Certificate18$71,199 - $94,272
engineering, general.Associate's Degree289$51,527 - $101,633
engineering, general.Bachelor's Degree126$72,716 - $146,126
engineering, general.Master's Degree87$100,965 - $177,858
engineering, general.Doctoral Degree34$132,716 - $143,361