Analysis
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.
Where Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $78,862 | $87,372 | +11% |
| Duke University | $89,938 | $101,532 | +13% |
| California State University Maritime Academy | $92,315 | $101,325 | +10% |
| Kennesaw State University | $67,158 | $76,747 | +14% |
| Georgia Southern University | $68,462 | $75,972 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta | $11,764 | $78,862 | $87,372 | $27,000 | 0.34 |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $73,872 | — | $22,814 | 0.31 |
 Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro | $5,905 | $68,462 | $75,972 | $25,500 | 0.37 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $67,158 | $76,747 | $27,736 | 0.41 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 337 graduates with reported earnings and 311 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.