Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Drexel University

Drexel's electrical engineering program charges significantly more than typical in-state options while delivering solid but not exceptional outcomes. At $81,904 starting, graduates earn more than the national median but sit in the middle of Pennsylvania's pack—well behind Carnegie Mellon's $139,337 but comparable to Villanova and Widener. The debt load of $30,000 is actually modest relative to Drexel's total cost of attendance, suggesting most students either receive substantial aid or have family support covering the difference.

The 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent, meaning graduates earn enough to manage their debt comfortably. Earnings growth to $91,677 by year four shows steady progression typical of engineering careers. However, Pennsylvania families should recognize they're paying private school tuition (Drexel runs around $58,000 annually before aid) for outcomes that Penn State or Temple could likely deliver at half the cost. The co-op program Drexel emphasizes may justify some premium through work experience and networking, but that value doesn't fully show in the salary data.

This works best for students who receive significant merit aid bringing total debt near this $30,000 figure, or families who value Drexel's urban location and co-op model enough to justify the price premium. Full-pay families might want harder evidence of differentiated outcomes.