Systems Engineering
Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment
Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)
Best Schools for Systems Engineering by Earnings
| # | School | 4yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Virginia-Main Campus VA · Public | $144,830 |
| 2 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy MA · Public | $125,191 |
| 3 | University of Florida FL · Public | $122,299 |
| 4 | George Washington University DC · Private | $120,976 |
| 5 | Washington University in St Louis MO · Private | $119,297 |
| 6 | George Mason University VA · Public | $114,815 |
| 7 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign IL · Public | $106,805 |
| 8 | University of Arizona AZ · Public | $100,468 |
| 9 | Kennesaw State University GA · Public | $89,696 |
| 10 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte NC · Public | $84,648 |
| 11 | Texas A & M International University TX · Public | $60,126 |
Is Systems Engineering Worth It?
The Numbers Support This Major
Systems Engineering is one of the strongest financial bets in higher education. With average graduate earnings of $79,009 four years after graduation, this field consistently outperforms the median across all majors. The return on investment is clear.
This is a more specialized field, offered at 12 schools in our dataset. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so pay close attention to the financial aid packages you receive.
The top school for this major by earnings is George Washington University, where graduates earn $120,976 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.
Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.