Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,911
Est. from national median (47 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,459
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Case Western Reserve's engineering program likely positions graduates competitively based on peer institution patterns. While we can't see this specific program's outcomes, the estimated $67,911 first-year salary aligns with the national engineering bachelor's median, and with an admission rate of 29% and average SAT of 1501, CWRU draws strong students who typically do well post-graduation. The estimated $26,459 in debt produces a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary.

The challenge here is that these figures come from national peer programs, not CWRU's actual engineering graduates, so there's real uncertainty about whether this particular program outperforms or underperforms those benchmarks. Engineering programs vary significantly by specialization focus, industry connections, and regional employer relationships. CWRU's Cleveland location and research university status could mean better outcomes through co-op opportunities and stronger employer pipelines, or the estimates could prove accurate. Unfortunately, with no reported data from Ohio engineering programs for comparison, we can't gauge where CWRU sits among state alternatives.

For families willing to invest in a selective engineering program, the estimated debt load looks reasonable if the salary projections hold. But press the school directly for placement rates, employer partnerships, and alumni outcomes—especially since you're making a significant financial commitment based on what similar programs typically produce rather than what this one actually delivers.

Where Case Western Reserve University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$67,911*—$26,459*—
Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham$64,458$109,455*$114,228$14,512*0.13
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont$66,255$92,491*$103,969$22,240*0.24
Brown UniversityProvidence$68,230$86,416*$87,937$14,500*0.17
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$82,956*$104,701$15,000*0.18
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$78,211*—$27,000*0.35
National Median—$67,911*—$26,056*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Case Western Reserve University, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.