Est. Earnings (1yr)
$77,710
Est. from national median (262 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

Drawing on national patterns for electrical engineering programs, this degree would command strong starting salaries—around $77,700—while carrying an estimated $26,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 sits comfortably in favorable territory, suggesting graduates could manage repayment while still building financial stability. The challenge here is that George Washington operates in a limited comparison set: DC has only three electrical engineering programs total, and none publish specific outcomes data, making it harder to assess how this particular program stacks up locally.

What we can say is that electrical engineering degrees, broadly speaking, represent one of the more reliable pathways to immediate earning power. Comparable programs nationally hit that $77,700 median with reasonable consistency, and the field's technical demands typically translate to employer willingness to pay. At a school with George Washington's academic profile—44% admission rate, 1433 average SAT—you'd expect the program to deliver somewhere near or above these national benchmarks, though the selective DC market and higher cost of living could cut both ways on starting compensation.

The practical question is whether GW's premium tuition (the estimated $26,000 debt figure actually tracks slightly above the national median of about $25,000) delivers corresponding career advantages through internships, industry connections, or employer prestige in the DC metro area. Without program-specific data, you're betting on the university's broader reputation in a field where technical skills often matter more than institutional brand.

Where George Washington University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
George Washington UniversityWashington$64,990$77,710*$26,000*
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh$63,829$139,337*$149,740$22,250*0.16
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$137,295*$202,911$14,437*0.11
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$117,345*$172,897$11,935*0.10
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$100,516*$118,743$14,750*0.15
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$96,997*$106,557$20,500*0.21
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 George Washington University, approximately 15% 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 national median of 262 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.