Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,911
50th percentile
Median Debt
$25,488
2% below national median

Analysis

John Brown University's engineering program produces solid outcomes that match the national median ($67,911 starting), but context matters here: with only four engineering programs in Arkansas, and this one ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, you're looking at middle-of-the-pack performance in a limited field. The $25,488 debt load is reasonable—just below the national median—and the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage repayment without undue strain.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy, with a 21% increase to nearly $82,000 by year four. That's competitive growth for engineering grads. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. What works today might look different for your student's cohort, and there's no track record here to show consistency.

For families seeking an affordable engineering degree in Arkansas, this program delivers decent value—especially if your student thrives in a smaller Christian university environment. The debt is manageable and starting salaries hit national benchmarks. Just recognize you're betting on limited data at a school where engineering isn't the historical strength. If your student has options at larger state programs like the University of Arkansas, compare carefully: those schools likely have more robust engineering infrastructure, larger alumni networks, and more predictable outcomes simply due to scale.

Where John Brown University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How John Brown University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
John Brown University$67,911$81,976+21%
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering$109,455$114,228+4%
University of California-Davis$82,956$104,701+26%
Harvey Mudd College$92,491$103,969+12%
Lafayette College$76,507$92,618+21%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs$30,832$67,911$81,976$25,4880.38
Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham$64,458$109,455$114,228$14,5120.13
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont$66,255$92,491$103,969$22,2400.24
Brown UniversityProvidence$68,230$86,416$87,937$14,5000.17
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$82,956$104,701$15,0000.18
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$78,211—$27,0000.35
National Median—$67,911—$26,0560.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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 John Brown University, approximately 21% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.