Engineering at Gonzaga University

Engineering degrees carry substantial weight in the job market, and the estimated numbers here—$67,911 in first-year earnings against $26,459 in debt—suggest a solid financial foundation. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates from similar programs typically earn enough to manage their loans without excessive strain, with debt representing less than 40% of their starting salary.

However, context matters. While these estimates align with the national engineering median, Washington State typically produces slightly stronger outcomes, with comparable programs averaging $69,093 in first-year earnings. Gonzaga's relatively high admission rate and low Pell Grant enrollment suggest a particular student profile, but without actual graduate data, it's impossible to know whether this program performs above or below its peer group. The fact that both earnings and debt figures are estimated from similar programs nationwide—not from Gonzaga engineering graduates specifically—means you're making investment decisions based on what typically happens elsewhere.

For parents, this comes down to fit and confidence. Engineering programs generally deliver strong returns, and these estimates don't raise red flags. But if you're choosing between Washington schools, you'll want to dig deeper into Gonzaga's engineering-specific placement rates and employer connections, since the numbers alone can't distinguish this program from the pack.