Compare 5 Nuclear Engineering. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $83,237.
Nuclear Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $63,226 and $100,427—a $37K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
At the top, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign produces Nuclear Engineering graduates earning $100,427, leading a competitive field. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor follows at $92,072, while Wisconsin-Madison reaches $85,629. The $83,237 average shows consistent strength across Midwest programs, proving regional publics excel in specialized engineering fields.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Illinois graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 3.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.19.
Highest program earnings: $100,427
Strong outcomes with 73% acceptance
3.4% payment burden | Excellent
10.4% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $100,427 | 30 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #2 | $92,072 | 20 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #3 | $85,629 | 15 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Good | |
| #4 | $74,831 | 25 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $63,226 | 27 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
