Analysis
Olin College's engineering program produces graduates earning $109,455 right after graduation—40% above the national median for engineering majors and significantly ahead of the $78,211 state median. Combined with unusually low debt of just $14,512, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in less than two months of earnings. Among Massachusetts engineering programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, outperforming even larger technical schools like Wentworth.
The caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift considerably year to year. However, the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from Olin's highly selective engineering-focused model (22% acceptance rate, 1540 average SAT). The small student body and project-based curriculum appear to translate into strong employment outcomes, at least for those entering traditional engineering roles.
For parents comfortable with a specialized engineering school, the financial case is compelling. The combination of strong starting salaries and minimal debt provides an immediate return on investment that few engineering programs can match, even if the small sample means you should verify current outcomes directly with the school.
Where Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | $109,455 | $114,228 | +4% |
| University of California-Davis | $82,956 | $104,701 | +26% |
| Harvey Mudd College | $92,491 | $103,969 | +12% |
| Lafayette College | $76,507 | $92,618 | +21% |
| Smith College | $53,571 | $77,485 | +45% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham | $64,458 | $109,455 | $114,228 | $14,512 | 0.13 |
 Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston | $41,010 | $78,211 | — | $27,000 | 0.35 |
 Smith CollegeNorthampton | $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 Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, approximately 13% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.