Compare 13 Systems Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $99,455. Top programs: $144,830+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Systems Engineering tells a different story. Across 13 programs, earnings range from $60,126 to $144,830—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The spread of more than $84,000 between the lowest and highest earners makes a clear case for evaluating programs on their own merits.
Topping the list, the University of Virginia's Systems Engineering program delivers $144,830 in median earnings—well above the $99,455 average across all 13 ranked programs. University of Florida comes in second at $122,299 with a 61% admission rate, proving accessible public universities can compete at the highest level. For a deeper look at how to compare programs on their own terms, see: Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →(https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Virginia graduates borrow $17,500 in student loans and face just a 2.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families factoring in parent loans, University of Florida leads with a 5.0% combined family burden on $33,837 in total debt—also 'Excellent'—making it the strongest all-in value in the ranking.
Highest program earnings: $144,830
Strong outcomes ($122,299) with 61% acceptance
2.0% payment burden | Excellent
5.0% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $144,830 | 81 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Excellent | |
| #2 | University Of FloridaPublic | $122,299 | 123 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Excellent |
| #3 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $120,976 | 22 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Excellent |
| #4 | $119,297 | 24 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Excellent | |
| #5 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $114,815 | 25 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Excellent |
| #6 | $106,805 | 92 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #7 | University Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $101,964 | 36 | — | — | — | — |
| #8 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $100,468 | 37 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Good |
| #9 | $89,696 | 45 | $23,833 | Excellent | $19,000 | Good | |
| #10 | $84,648 | 27 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,809 | Good | |
| #11 | Maine Maritime AcademyPublic | $63,749 | 11 | — | — | — | — |
| #12 | Otterbein UniversityPrivate | $63,243 | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| #13 | $60,126 | 45 | $15,000 | Excellent | $8,721 | Good |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
