Mechanical Engineering at Hofstra University

Hofstra's mechanical engineering program sits in the middle of the pack among New York schools, with first-year earnings of $65,641 placing it at the 40th percentile statewide—below the state median of $68,407 but not dramatically so. What matters more is the manageable debt load of $22,500, which graduates can repay in roughly four months of gross salary, making this one of the more affordable engineering options in an expensive state.

The earnings trajectory shows solid growth—$79,950 by year four represents a 22% bump—though Hofstra grads start behind peers at state flagships and technical institutes like SUNY Maritime ($77,895 first-year) and RIT ($76,263). That $14,000 starting salary gap versus Cornell isn't surprising given admission selectivity differences, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 compares favorably to many higher-ranked programs that saddle students with heavier loans. For families prioritizing lower upfront costs and reasonable post-graduation finances, this program delivers engineering credentials without crushing debt.

The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the fundamentals are sound: you're getting accredited mechanical engineering training that leads to employable skills, decent starting salaries, and manageable repayment timelines. If your child isn't admitted to New York's elite engineering schools or wants to stay on Long Island, Hofstra represents a workable middle ground between cost and outcomes.