Analysis
Drawing from peer engineering programs in Massachusetts, this bachelor's degree appears positioned in the middle tier financially—with estimated first-year earnings of $78,211 matching the state median and significantly above the $67,911 national benchmark. The estimated $19,000 in debt is notably lower than the $26,056 national median for engineering degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 that suggests graduates could manage their loans within a few months of work.
The challenge is context. Massachusetts engineering programs span from elite Olin College ($109,455 first-year earnings) to liberal arts-focused Smith ($53,571), and without actual outcome data for Eastern Nazarene's specific graduates, it's unclear where this small program truly fits. The college's 1035 average SAT suggests it draws students who might struggle at more competitive engineering schools, yet the estimated earnings match those from Wentworth Institute of Technology, a well-regarded technical institution. That's encouraging if accurate, but the small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression means outcomes could vary considerably year to year.
For an anxious parent, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—engineering graduates generally command solid salaries, and moderate debt load reduces financial risk. But verify whether Eastern Nazarene's program has ABET accreditation, which matters for engineering licensure, and understand that with such limited enrollment, student support and networking opportunities may differ substantially from larger programs.
Where Eastern Nazarene College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,610 | $78,211* | — | $19,000* | — | |
| $64,458 | $109,455* | $114,228 | $14,512* | 0.13 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| $61,568 | $53,571* | $77,485 | $19,000* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
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
Solar Energy Systems 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 Eastern Nazarene College, approximately 35% 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 median of 3 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.