Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga's electrical engineering graduates start at $81,435—strong earnings that outpace three-quarters of similar programs nationally, though they land in the middle of Washington's competitive pack. The estimated debt of $26,000, derived from national patterns at similar private institutions, translates to a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, most engineering programs produce ratios well below 0.5, and this estimate aligns with that healthy range.

What tempers the enthusiasm is the modest 9% earnings growth over four years. While first-year outcomes are solid, graduates at comparable Washington programs typically see their salaries climb more substantially in those critical early career years. The University of Washington system and Seattle Pacific both report similar starting salaries, and Washington State trails by less than $2,000—raising questions about whether Gonzaga's $26,000 estimated debt load (versus Washington's $21,030 median for these programs) delivers proportional advantage.

The fundamentals work: engineering credentials from accredited programs open doors, and a sub-0.35 debt ratio rarely creates financial hardship. But parents should recognize they're paying private-school tuition for outcomes that mirror what state institutions deliver, with debt estimates suggesting a premium that may not translate to accelerated earnings growth.