Engineering programs across the Midwest produce graduates with median earnings of $80,046, ranging from $66,971 to $103,903—demonstrating how program selection significantly impacts career earnings. With 83 ranked programs spanning public universities and private colleges, the region offers diverse pathways into technical careers, with graduates earning $6,977 higher than the national average.
Leading the list is Northwestern University, achieving the highest program earnings at $103,903. The top tier is dominated by research powerhouses, with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($94,889) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($92,619) rounding out the top three. These STEM programs demonstrate exceptional program outcomes that justify their positioning in the rankings.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #81 | University Of Mount UnionPrivate | Alliance, OH | $80,963 Median Engineering Earnings | $16,786 | 78.2% | 58.7% |
| #82 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | Wichita, KS | $80,443 Median Engineering Earnings | $9,734 | 94.0% | 51.0% |
| #83 | Wartburg CollegePrivate | Waverly, IA | $78,959 Median Engineering Earnings | $21,688 | 75.8% | 64.3% |
| #84 | Dordt UniversityPrivate | Sioux Center, IA | $78,118 Median Engineering Earnings | $22,597 | 68.5% | 70.1% |
| #85 | Kent, OH | $72,958 Median Engineering Earnings | $15,280 | 86.3% | 63.7% | |
| #86 | River Falls, WI | $71,715 Median Engineering Earnings | $8,472 | 81.7% | 57.0% | |
| #87 | Benedictine CollegePrivate | Atchison, KS | $71,539 Median Engineering Earnings | $22,032 | 98.1% | 61.6% |
| #88 | Fort Wayne, IN | $70,712 Median Engineering Earnings | $8,306 | 83.9% | 36.3% | |
| #89 | Saint Ambrose UniversityPrivate | Davenport, IA | $70,476 Median Engineering Earnings | $22,037 | 77.3% | 61.0% |
| #90 | Saint Paul, MN | $68,516 Median Engineering Earnings | $26,696 | 93.5% | 68.1% | |
| #91 | Baker CollegePrivate | Owosso, MI | $68,060 Median Engineering Earnings | $11,976 | 81.9% | 35.8% |
| #92 | Otterbein UniversityPrivate | Westerville, OH | $63,243 Median Engineering Earnings | $12,458 | 84.5% | 67.9% |
