Is an Engineering Degree Worth It?
Yes, an engineering degree is worth it for most students. Engineering graduates earn a median $99,590 to $167,740 per year depending on specialization (BLS, 2024), compared to ~$35,000 with a high school diploma alone. With an annual salary premium of ~$76,910 and a 4-year bachelor’s degree costing $24,000 to $180,000, the estimated payback period is just 0.3 to 2.3 years. Engineering also offers strong job security with 77,800 annual openings and positive growth projections across most disciplines.
Engineering consistently ranks among the highest-ROI degree fields because it combines strong starting salaries, clear licensure pathways through ABET accreditation and PE certification, and demand across infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, energy, and defense sectors. However, the degree requires significant math and science preparation, and not every student will find the investment worthwhile depending on their career goals and academic strengths.
What do engineering graduates earn?
Key takeaway: Engineering salaries range from $99,590 for civil engineers to $167,740 for engineering managers, with most disciplines exceeding $100,000 in median pay (BLS, 2024).
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 5.0% | 23,600 |
| Electrical Engineer | $111,910 | 7.2% | 11,700 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 | 9.1% | 18,100 |
| Chemical Engineer | $121,860 | 2.6% | 1,100 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,830 | 6.1% | 4,500 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $106,950 | 5.2% | 1,300 |
| Environmental Engineer | $104,170 | 3.9% | 3,000 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $167,740 | 3.8% | 14,500 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Engineering salaries significantly outperform most other bachelor’s degree fields. Even the lowest-paying engineering discipline (civil engineering at $99,590) exceeds the median for all bachelor’s degree holders (~$75,000, BLS 2024).
How much does an engineering degree cost vs. what you earn?
Key takeaway: The salary premium over a high school diploma pays back the full cost of a 4-year engineering degree in as little as 4 months.
| Institution Type | 4-Year Total Cost | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| Public (in-state) | $24,000-$48,000 | 0.3-0.6 years |
| Public (out-of-state) | $60,000-$120,000 | 0.8-1.6 years |
| Private nonprofit | $80,000-$180,000 | 1.0-2.3 years |
| For-profit | $60,000-$140,000 | 0.8-1.8 years |
Tuition ranges based on NCES IPEDS data. Payback calculated using $76,910 annual salary premium ($111,910 median engineering salary minus ~$35,000 high school diploma median).
ROI calculation
- Median salary with engineering degree: $111,910 (BLS, 2024)
- Median salary with high school diploma only: ~$35,000 (BLS, 2024)
- Annual salary premium: ~$76,910
- 20-year earnings premium: ~$1,538,200
- Best-case ROI: 6,300%+ (public in-state)
- Worst-case ROI: 750%+ (private nonprofit)
Even at the most expensive private universities, engineering graduates can expect to recoup their investment within 2.3 years and earn over $1.5 million more than high school diploma holders over a 20-year career.
What is the job growth outlook for engineering?
Key takeaway: Most engineering fields show positive growth through 2034, with mechanical engineering leading at 9.1%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 77,800 annual openings across all engineering occupations.
Engineering job growth is driven by infrastructure investment, energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and technology development. Key growth areas include:
- Mechanical Engineering: 9.1% growth – driven by automation, robotics, and electric vehicle manufacturing
- Electrical Engineering: 7.2% growth – fueled by semiconductor demand, renewable energy, and power grid modernization
- Aerospace Engineering: 6.1% growth – supported by defense spending and commercial space ventures
- Civil Engineering: 5.0% growth – driven by federal infrastructure investment and aging systems replacement
- Biomedical Engineering: 5.2% growth – expanding with medical device innovation and aging population needs
Engineering employment is less vulnerable to automation than many white-collar fields because it requires hands-on design judgment, physical site knowledge, and professional licensure.
How does an engineering degree compare to alternatives?
| Path | Time | Cost | Median Salary | Licensure Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Bachelor’s (ABET) | 4 years | $24,000-$180,000 | $99,590-$134,830 | Yes (PE) |
| Engineering Technology Associate | 2 years | $12,000-$48,000 | $45,000-$60,000 | Limited |
| Engineering Certificate | 6-12 months | $5,000-$15,000 | $40,000-$55,000 | No |
| Skilled Trades (electrician, HVAC) | 2-4 years | $2,000-$10,000 | $60,000-$80,000 | Yes (trade license) |
| Self-taught / Bootcamp | Variable | $0-$20,000 | Not applicable | No |
An ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree is effectively required for most engineering careers because Professional Engineer (PE) licensure requires it in most states. This makes engineering one of the few fields where a formal degree is not just preferred but functionally necessary for career advancement.
Who should NOT get an engineering degree?
An engineering degree may not be the right investment if:
- You dislike math and physics. Engineering programs require calculus through differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, and multiple physics courses. Students who struggle with or avoid math-intensive coursework will face significant challenges.
- You want a quick credential. A bachelor’s degree takes 4 years (120-136 credits), and PE licensure requires additional years of supervised experience. Certificate or trade programs offer faster entry into technical work.
- You prefer people-focused work over technical analysis. Engineering careers center on design, analysis, and problem solving. If you prefer counseling, teaching, or direct client interaction, consider fields like education or psychology.
- You cannot commit to ABET-accredited program requirements. Non-ABET programs may be cheaper or more flexible, but they limit your ability to pursue PE licensure and may reduce employer recognition.
- Your target salary is achievable through shorter paths. If you are targeting $60,000-$80,000 and prefer hands-on work, skilled trades like HVAC or electrical work offer strong earnings with less academic investment.
How to maximize the value of an engineering degree
- Choose an ABET-accredited program. This is non-negotiable for PE licensure and maximizes employer recognition. Verify at abet.org.
- Complete internships or co-ops. Engineering employers heavily weight practical experience. Many programs integrate co-op semesters that provide paid work and academic credit.
- Pass the FE exam before graduating. The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step toward PE licensure and is easier to pass while coursework is fresh.
- Target high-growth specializations. Mechanical (9.1% growth), electrical (7.2%), and aerospace (6.1%) engineering offer the strongest job market projections.
- Minimize debt with in-state public universities. The payback period drops from 2.3 years (private) to under 6 months (public in-state) – same degree, dramatically different ROI.
- Build a technical portfolio. Document capstone projects, design work, and simulation results to demonstrate applied competence to employers.
- Consider employer tuition benefits. Many engineering employers offer tuition reimbursement for master’s degrees, which can push earnings to $167,740+ without additional out-of-pocket cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online engineering degree respected by employers?
Yes. Employers evaluate accreditation status, not delivery format. ABET-accredited online programs meet the same standards as on-campus programs, and transcripts do not distinguish between delivery methods.
Can you get PE licensure with an online engineering degree?
Yes, if the program is ABET-accredited. PE licensure requirements vary by state but generally require an ABET-accredited degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and 4 years of supervised engineering experience.
What is the starting salary for engineering graduates?
Starting salaries vary by discipline: civil engineers start around $65,000-$75,000, mechanical engineers around $68,000-$78,000, and electrical engineers around $72,000-$85,000. These figures grow significantly with experience and PE licensure.
Is engineering harder than computer science?
Both are rigorous STEM fields. Engineering programs typically require more physics and laboratory work, while computer science emphasizes programming and algorithms. The difficulty depends on your strengths and interests rather than an objective ranking.
How long does it take to become a Professional Engineer?
Typically 8-10 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, plus 4 years of supervised experience, plus passing the FE and PE exams. Some states allow alternative pathways with additional experience.
If you are comparing pacing and cost, see: Affordable Engineering Programs. To explore the full program, visit our Online Engineering Degree Guide.
Back to Online Engineering Degrees: Programs and Curriculum
Return to Online Engineering Degrees: Programs and Curriculum