Est. Earnings (1yr)
$79,612
Est. from NJ median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

New Jersey's engineering programs cluster tightly in earnings, and based on comparable programs statewide, Fairleigh Dickinson appears positioned right in the middle of the pack. The estimated first-year salary of $79,612 matches the state median and sits close to powerhouse programs like NJIT and Rutgers—a promising sign for a university with a 96% admission rate that offers significantly more accessible entry than competitors. The estimated debt load of $26,000 is modest, creating a comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that should be manageable on an engineer's starting salary.

The caveat here is meaningful: these figures come from peer programs across New Jersey, not Fairleigh Dickinson's own graduates. Similar electrical engineering programs in the state suggest earnings in this range, but whether this particular program's industry connections, curriculum, and career services deliver comparable outcomes isn't captured in these estimates. The gap between Stevens ($90K) and The College of New Jersey ($73K) shows how much variation exists even within the state, and without program-specific data, it's unclear where Fairleigh Dickinson truly lands.

For families evaluating this program, the fundamentals look reasonable—engineering credentials generally translate to solid employment, and the estimated debt burden isn't alarming. However, you'd want to dig into placement rates, employer partnerships, and alumni outcomes directly with the school before committing, since the actual return could vary considerably from these statewide estimates.

Where Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck$35,822$79,612*$26,000*
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken$60,952$90,136*$108,798$26,490*0.29
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$82,598*$119,602$23,679*0.29
Rowan UniversityGlassboro$15,700$79,612*$86,018$23,250*0.29
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark$19,022$78,794*$90,360$25,325*0.32
The College of New JerseyEwing$18,685$73,531*$82,580*
National Median$77,710*$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications 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

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/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.

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 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, approximately 22% 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 5 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.