Analysis
Based on comparable engineering-related programs in New York, Excelsior appears positioned squarely in the middle of the state's small field of similar offerings. The estimated $74,000 first-year salary sits right at the state median and notably above the $69,000 national benchmark, while the projected $27,000 debt load remains manageable with a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first year's salary.
What's particularly interesting here is how peer programs cluster: Rochester Institute of Technology and Clarkson University report nearly identical outcomes to what the estimates suggest for Excelsior, though NYU's engineering-related graduates earn substantially less despite the institution's prestige. This clustering gives some confidence to the estimated figures, though it's worth noting that Excelsior's online-focused model may serve a different student population than these residential programs—possibly working professionals seeking credentials rather than traditional undergraduates.
The practical picture looks solid if the estimates hold. A debt load under $30,000 for a field that typically commands mid-70s salaries represents a reasonable investment, particularly for students who need the flexibility of Excelsior's distance learning format. Just recognize you're making this decision with projected rather than school-specific outcomes, and that engineering-related fields can vary widely in actual job prospects depending on the specific concentration within that broad category.
Where Excelsior University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $74,407* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $57,016 | $74,923* | $78,388 | $27,750* | 0.37 | |
| $57,950 | $74,407* | $77,869 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $60,438 | $61,240* | $76,658 | $20,500* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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 Excelsior 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.
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 NY. Actual outcomes may vary.