Analysis
RIT's engineering-related program charges about $750 more in debt than the state median but delivers earnings slightly above both the state and national averages—a reasonable premium given the school's strong co-op program and industry connections. The $74,923 starting salary ranks in the 80th percentile nationally, though it places closer to the middle of the pack among New York's seven engineering-related programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 is quite manageable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross income.
The modest 5% earnings growth to year four is the main limitation here. While $78,388 is solid compensation, you'd hope for steeper gains in technical fields during those early career years. This could reflect the program's focus on specialized engineering support roles rather than traditional engineering positions, which typically see faster salary progression. Among the state's limited options, RIT performs similarly to Clarkson but significantly outpaces NYU's engineering-related graduates.
For families considering RIT at its 71% acceptance rate, this program offers a straightforward value equation: slightly above-average debt for above-average starting pay and strong job placement. The co-op opportunities built into RIT's curriculum often lead directly to employment, which matters more than incremental salary differences. Just understand you're paying for access to Rochester's robust engineering ecosystem rather than exceptional earnings growth.
Where Rochester Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rochester Institute of Technology 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $74,923 | $78,388 | +5% |
| Stanford University | $100,788 | $141,630 | +41% |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | $79,755 | $94,324 | +18% |
| Clarkson University | $74,407 | $77,869 | +5% |
| New York University | $61,240 | $76,658 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester | $57,016 | $74,923 | $78,388 | $27,750 | 0.37 |
 Clarkson UniversityPotsdam | $57,950 | $74,407 | $77,869 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $61,240 | $76,658 | $20,500 | 0.33 |
| 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 Rochester Institute of Technology, approximately 26% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.