Skip to main content



8 engineering colleges with highest salary potential


Engineering is a lucrative career choice for many students, with many factors to consider when selecting a specific degree program. In this article, we will be discussing the eight engineering colleges with the highest salary potential, based on data from CollegeVine.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is a prestigious institution known for its strength in engineering, with a median salary of $117,500. It is also known for its research focus and its contributions to the fields of aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech has a strong engineering program, with a median salary of $121,200. It is particularly renowned for its contributions to the field of chemical engineering, as well as its work in aerospace engineering and electrical engineering.

3. Stanford University

Stanford University is a top-ranked institution with a median salary of $126,400. It has a strong focus on engineering, particularly in the areas of computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech is a public research institution with a median salary of $80,500. It has a strong focus on engineering, particularly in the areas of aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.

5. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

UC Berkeley is a public research institution with a median salary of $103,000. It is particularly renowned for its work in electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.

6. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public research institution with a median salary of $84,300. It has a strong focus on engineering, particularly in the areas of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

7. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution with a median salary of $96,700. It is particularly renowned for its contributions to the field of computer science, as well as its work in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research institution with a median salary of $85,700. It is particularly renowned for its work in electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.

When selecting an engineering program, it is important to consider not only the salary potential but also factors such as the strength of the program in your desired area of study, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. Additionally, it is important to consider the location of the university, the cost of attendance, and any extracurricular or networking opportunities available to students.

Overall, engineering is a lucrative and rewarding field, and by selecting the right program, students can position themselves for success and high earning potential after graduation.