Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Georgia Tech's mechanical engineering program commands a premium, but the numbers suggest it's worth paying extra for. With median starting salaries of $78,862 and debt loads of just $27,000, graduates enjoy one of the most favorable financial outcomes in the country. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while keeping debt in the bottom 5th percentile—a rare combination that reflects both the school's elite reputation and Georgia's relatively affordable in-state tuition.

The in-state picture is more nuanced. While Georgia Tech graduates out-earn peers at other Georgia schools by $5,000-$11,000 annually, the program only hits the 60th percentile within the state. This suggests Georgia's other mechanical engineering programs punch above their weight, making the state particularly strong for this field. Still, Georgia Tech's $78,862 starting salary beats even UGA's $73,872, and the gap will likely widen over time given Tech's industry connections.

For families who can secure admission to this highly selective program (16% acceptance rate), the financial case is compelling. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates can comfortably service loans while building wealth, and steady 11% earnings growth through year four indicates strong career trajectories. This represents premium engineering education at a reasonable price point.