Mechanical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology's mechanical engineering program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—ranking 40th percentile among New Jersey programs and 37th percentile nationally. With first-year earnings of $68,675, graduates earn about $1,500 less than the state median and $2,000 below the national benchmark. That gap widens when you look at the state's top programs: Princeton grads earn $17,000 more, and even Stevens and Rutgers graduates pull ahead by $9,000-$3,000 respectively.

The debt picture offers a silver lining. At $23,334, graduates carry slightly less debt than both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning the typical graduate's debt equals just four months of their starting salary. The 13% earnings growth to year four shows steady progression, though it doesn't close the gap with higher-performing programs.

For a family weighing options, NJIT delivers decent value if cost is the deciding factor, especially compared to private alternatives like Stevens. But if your child can gain admission to Rutgers, that program delivers better earnings outcomes at similar debt levels. NJIT works best as a solid, affordable path into mechanical engineering rather than a standout investment—particularly for students who need the accessibility of its 67% admission rate or benefit from its substantial Pell Grant population support system.