Analysis
North Carolina A&T delivers solid mechanical engineering outcomes that beat most competitors in the state, despite serving a predominantly working-class student body. At $72,278 in first-year earnings, graduates here out-earn the typical North Carolina mechanical engineering grad by about $1,500 and rank in the 60th percentile both statewide and nationally—a meaningful achievement given that 51% of students receive Pell grants. The debt load of $29,822 translates to a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable for an engineering salary and sits in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden.
The earnings trajectory shows healthy progression, climbing 11% to $80,018 by year four. Only Duke produces significantly higher earners among North Carolina's five mechanical engineering programs, and Duke comes with substantially higher costs and selectivity. A&T's outcomes essentially match NC State and UNC Charlotte—schools often considered more prestigious—while maintaining reasonable debt levels.
For families concerned about both affordability and career outcomes, this represents a strong value proposition. Your child would graduate with below-average debt for the field while earning above the state median, positioning them well for the financial stability engineering degrees typically provide.
Where North Carolina A & T State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Carolina A & T State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina A & T State University | $72,278 | $80,018 | +11% |
| Duke University | $89,938 | $101,532 | +13% |
| California State University Maritime Academy | $92,315 | $101,325 | +10% |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $69,078 | $79,841 | +16% |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $69,178 | $76,149 | +10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro | $6,748 | $72,278 | $80,018 | $29,822 | 0.41 |
 Duke UniversityDurham | $65,805 | $89,938 | $101,532 | $10,000 | 0.11 |
 University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte | $7,214 | $69,178 | $76,149 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $69,078 | $79,841 | $24,250 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 North Carolina A & T State University, approximately 51% 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 88 graduates with reported earnings and 92 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.