Compare 14 Systems Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $84,724. Top programs: $113,099+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Systems Engineering tells a different story. Across 14 programs, earnings range from $61,020 to $113,099—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of Virginia's Systems Engineering program leads with graduates earning $113,099, well above the $84,724 average. George Mason follows at $106,147 with an 89% acceptance rate, while Penn's program delivers $101,964—demonstrating that regional publics compete directly with Ivy League outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UVA graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 2.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. University of Florida leads family value with a 6.7% family burden, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $113,099
Strong outcomes ($106,147) with 89% acceptance
2.6% payment burden | Excellent
6.7% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $113,099 | 126 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Excellent | |
| #2 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $106,147 | 35 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Excellent |
| #3 | University Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $101,964 | 30 | $15,715 | Excellent | $33,124 | Good |
| #4 | University Of FloridaPublic | $97,980 | 119 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Excellent |
| #5 | Maine Maritime AcademyPublic | $90,474 | 8 | $27,000 | Excellent | $55,812 | Challenging |
| #6 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $86,600 | 52 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Good |
| #7 | $81,785 | 61 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $79,942 | 20 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,678 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $78,998 | 56 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,809 | Good | |
| #10 | $78,343 | 70 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Good | |
| #11 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $74,576 | 16 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Manageable |
| #12 | $71,971 | 37 | $15,000 | Excellent | $8,721 | Excellent | |
| #13 | Otterbein UniversityPrivate | $63,243 | 17 | $26,000 | Good | $39,500 | Challenging |
| #14 | $61,020 | 33 | $23,833 | Good | $19,000 | 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 →
