Students at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology achieve some of the highest earnings in the country, with graduates consistently outperforming expectations by substantial margins.
The institution ranks in the top 5% nationally across multiple earnings measures, reflecting exceptional career outcomes that justify the significant educational investment.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology delivers exceptional return on investment for students pursuing engineering and computer science careers. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, this private technical institute consistently ranks among the top institutions nationwide for graduate earnings, with median 10-year earnings of $101,253 that place it in the 98th percentile nationally. What makes Rose-Hulman particularly compelling is how graduates earn substantially more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions—about $10,180 beyond what would be predicted based on student characteristics.
The institute operates as a "Selective Achievers" institution, combining limited access with outstanding outcomes for the students it serves. Only about 12% of students receive Pell Grants and 14% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's selective admissions and higher-income student body. However, those who do attend see remarkable career trajectories, with 834 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually within six years of graduation.
As a specialized technical institute, Rose-Hulman focuses intensively on engineering, computer science, and related STEM fields. This concentrated approach produces graduates who command premium salaries in high-demand technical careers, making it one of the strongest options nationally for students committed to engineering and technology professions despite the substantial financial investment required.
Rose-Hulman's program portfolio centers on engineering and computer science disciplines that consistently deliver exceptional career outcomes. Mechanical Engineering leads in scale with 154 graduates annually and produces the highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with median earnings of $72,600 ten years out. This program represents the institution's traditional strength and continues to feed graduates into automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consulting careers.
Computer Science, with 85 graduates per year, achieves the strongest individual earnings outcomes at $111,992 median ten-year earnings, reflecting the premium that technology companies place on Rose-Hulman's rigorous technical preparation. Computer Engineering graduates, numbering 70 annually, earn about $90,049 and often move into hardware design, systems engineering, and technical leadership roles at major technology firms.
The concentrated focus on these three core technical disciplines creates a powerful network effect, with employers specifically recruiting Rose-Hulman graduates for their strong technical foundation and problem-solving capabilities. This specialization, rather than broad program diversity, drives the institution's exceptional earnings outcomes and explains why graduates command premium salaries in competitive technical fields.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes in higher education. Graduates earn a median of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 98th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. Even more impressive, graduates earn about $10,180 more than would be expected based on their background characteristics, demonstrating the institution's ability to add substantial value beyond what students bring to campus. This earnings premium reflects both the quality of technical education and the strong employer demand for Rose-Hulman graduates.
The institution's program portfolio drives these exceptional outcomes through concentrated strength in high-paying technical fields. Mechanical Engineering, the largest program with 154 graduates, produces the highest aggregate return with median earnings of $72,600 ten years out. Computer Science graduates, numbering 85 annually, achieve even stronger individual outcomes with median earnings of $111,992, while Computer Engineering graduates earn about $90,049. These three programs represent the core of Rose-Hulman's academic focus and demonstrate why the institution consistently produces graduates who command premium salaries in engineering, technology, and related technical careers.
The concentrated technical focus creates a pipeline into high-mobility careers in engineering, software development, and technology consulting. Rose-Hulman's specialized curriculum and strong industry connections help explain why graduates not only earn well initially but continue to see strong career progression over time, with many moving into leadership roles in major technology and engineering companies.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology requires a substantial financial commitment that places it among the more expensive options in higher education. Low-income students face net prices around $33,862 annually, while middle-income families pay approximately $34,656 per year, and high-income families see costs reach $45,616. These price points place the institution in the bottom 5th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning it costs significantly more than most comparable institutions across all income levels.
The high sticker price translates into considerable borrowing for most families. Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in federal student loan debt, which is manageable relative to their strong earnings potential. However, Parent PLUS borrowing averages $59,134, reflecting the substantial gap between net prices and what many families can afford from current income and savings. This level of parent borrowing requires careful financial planning and represents a significant family investment in the student's technical education.
Despite the high upfront costs, the investment often proves worthwhile given Rose-Hulman's exceptional earnings outcomes. With median graduate earnings exceeding $101,000 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably service their debt obligations. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, and loan repayment data shows that borrowers pay down balances much faster than national averages, with many achieving significant debt reduction within the first few years after graduation.
Rose-Hulman Institute Of Technology Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
