Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Boston University

Boston University's electrical engineering graduates start at $80,528—solidly above the national median but lagging behind most Massachusetts engineering programs. While BU ranks in the 70th percentile nationally, it sits at just the 40th percentile among Massachusetts schools, trailing not only MIT and Northeastern but also Worcester Polytechnic and even Western New England University. For a highly selective institution (11% acceptance rate, 1473 SAT average), these outcomes raise questions about whether you're paying for the BU brand or for competitive engineering placement.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: $26,646 is below the national average for engineering programs, and the 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage repayment comfortably. Earnings do grow 19% to $95,438 by year four, which suggests steady career progression. However, that growth still leaves BU grads behind several state peers who start stronger out of the gate.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so it may not reflect the typical BU engineering experience. If your child is comparing BU to other Massachusetts schools, look closely at whether the prestige premium justifies the middling in-state performance. If they're choosing between BU and a less competitive national program, the stronger national ranking tells a different story.