Analysis
Drexel's architectural engineering graduates start strong with $76,272 in first-year earnings—outpacing three-quarters of programs nationally. The debt load of $31,000 translates to a comfortable 0.41 ratio, meaning graduates earn more than twice their debt in their first year alone. This is one of the clearest debt-to-earnings pictures you'll find, with debt in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of programs saddle students with more).
The earnings trajectory tells a more complicated story. While $79,862 by year four represents solid income, the modest 5% growth suggests graduates may be hitting their stride quickly rather than building toward substantially higher mid-career earnings. Among Pennsylvania programs, Drexel sits at the 60th percentile—respectable but not dominant in-state, though with only one program reporting in PA, meaningful state comparisons are limited.
For parents evaluating this investment, the fundamentals are sound: strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and immediate employability. The trade-off is that graduates appear to be entering relatively stable career paths rather than trajectories with steep upward curves. If your child wants technical engineering work with financial security from day one, this program delivers on that promise.
Where Drexel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all architectural engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $76,272 | $79,862 | +5% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $73,510 | $92,318 | +26% |
| Auburn University | $77,115 | $87,633 | +14% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $72,567 | $82,241 | +13% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $80,481 | $77,591 | -4% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Architectural Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $76,272 | $79,862 | $31,000 | 0.41 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $80,481 | $77,591 | $25,116 | 0.31 |
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $77,115 | $87,633 | $22,000 | 0.29 |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $76,353 | — | $23,000 | 0.30 |
 Kansas State UniversityManhattan | $10,942 | $74,091 | $77,173 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $73,510 | $92,318 | $25,701 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $73,392 | — | $25,701 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with architectural engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.