College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
General

Nuclear Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Nuclear Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$75,145
Median Salary
$152,202
Unemployment Rate
1.2%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
18.0%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $6,088,080
Entry (Early)
$75,145
Median (Prime)
$152,202
High (Prime)
$165,179

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
+206k
+824k
+927k
$25k / yr
+116k
+734k
+837k
$50k / yr
+26k
+644k
+747k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
28
23
23
$25k / yr
36
25
25
$50k / yr
53
27
27

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
107%
675%
770%
$50k / yr
12%
296%
344%
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 Rate53.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Engineers, All Other

16.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$133,600|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Management occupations

8.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$118,430
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$182,200|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

5.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$150,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,979|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Physical scientists, all other

4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$90,035
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Astronomers and physicists

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,145
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$101,825|$166,880
openings
1,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%

Top executives

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$174,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$267,961|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Architectural and engineering managers

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$182,213
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$211,023|$171,270
openings
14,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.5%

Postsecondary teachers

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$33,970
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$45,339|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Education and childcare administrators

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$118,418
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$182,182|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%

Civil engineers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$84,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$154,407|$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
nuclear engineering.Undergrad Certificate1$95,861 - $95,861
nuclear engineering.Bachelor's Degree20$87,239 - $116,047
nuclear engineering.Master's Degree26$106,136 - $118,214
nuclear engineering.Doctoral Degree23$132,400 - $146,422