Analysis
Is a bachelor's in an engineering-related field worth roughly $25,000 in debt? Based on comparable programs nationwide, the math looks reasonable. Similar programs produce median first-year earnings around $69,000, which puts the estimated debt burden at about 37% of that first year's salary—a manageable ratio that suggests graduates could realistically tackle their loans while building careers.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only two schools in Georgia offering this credential and neither reporting actual outcomes, it's harder to gauge how Kennesaw State's specific program stacks up against local alternatives. Engineering-adjacent fields can vary widely—from construction management to surveying to industrial technology—and career trajectories differ significantly depending on the specialization. A $69,000 starting salary is solid if the program leads to in-demand technical roles, but less compelling if it's competing with full engineering degrees that often command higher pay.
The key question is what "engineering-related" actually means at Kennesaw State. Before committing, nail down the specific major, talk to recent graduates about their job placements, and compare starting salaries in that exact field. The estimated debt-to-earnings picture suggests this could be a sound investment, but you need more specificity about outcomes to know whether this particular program delivers on that promise.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,786 | $68,919* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $62,484 | $100,788* | $141,630 | —* | — | |
| $60,952 | $79,755* | $94,324 | $26,975* | 0.34 | |
| $15,988 | $76,563* | $82,682 | $23,756* | 0.31 | |
| — | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,051 | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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 Kennesaw State University, approximately 35% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.