College ROI

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General

Metallurgical Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Metallurgical Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$38,000
Median Salary
$145,746
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
15.0%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $5,829,840
Entry (Early)
$38,000
Median (Prime)
$145,746
High (Prime)
$150,058

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
-113k
+773k
+807k
$25k / yr
-203k
+683k
+717k
$50k / yr
-293k
+593k
+627k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
23
$25k / yr
Never
26
25
$50k / yr
Never
28
27

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-187%
628%
659%
$50k / yr
-135%
273%
288%
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 Rate53.6%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Management occupations

8.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$121,650
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$174,994|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Materials engineers

7.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$100,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$112,860
openings
1,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.5%

Engineers, All Other

7.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$94,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,746|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Software developers

5.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$5,214
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,746|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Architectural and engineering managers

4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$165,675
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$254,885|$171,270
openings
14,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.5%

Computer and information systems managers

4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$126,313
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$194,328|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

Postsecondary teachers

3.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,007
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Top executives

3.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$134,207
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$206,473|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,731
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,064|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

Civil engineers

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,946
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$138,268|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

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
metallurgical engineering.Bachelor's Degree9$87,596 - $94,902
metallurgical engineering.Master's Degree5Data N/A