Analysis
RIT's mechanical engineering graduates earn $76,263 in their first year—substantially above both New York's state median ($68,407) and the national benchmark ($70,744). Within New York, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only Cornell and SUNY Maritime among major engineering schools. What makes these numbers particularly compelling is that RIT achieves this outcome while keeping debt remarkably low: just $27,000 at graduation, which falls in the 5th percentile nationally. That means 95% of mechanical engineering programs saddle students with more debt.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 translates to manageable monthly payments—graduates should be able to pay off their loans in a few years while building savings. Earnings growth to $83,505 by year four suggests solid career progression, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these aren't flukes. The 71% admission rate makes this accessible to a broad range of students, yet outcomes rival much more selective programs.
For families weighing RIT against SUNY options or comparable private schools, this is the sweet spot: near the top of New York's mechanical engineering outcomes with debt that won't hamstring your child's twenties. The co-op program reputation appears to translate into real market value.
Where Rochester Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering 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 | $76,263 | $83,505 | +9% |
| SUNY Maritime College | $77,895 | $99,578 | +28% |
| Cornell University | $85,440 | $97,093 | +14% |
| New York Institute of Technology | $56,254 | $92,781 | +65% |
| Syracuse University | $66,789 | $90,527 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (24 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 | $76,263 | $83,505 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $85,440 | $97,093 | $15,500 | 0.18 |
 SUNY Maritime CollegeThroggs Neck | $8,540 | $77,895 | $99,578 | $26,000 | 0.33 |
 Vaughn College of Aeronautics and TechnologyFlushing | $28,850 | $74,472 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy | $61,884 | $73,833 | $84,101 | $25,000 | 0.34 |
 University of RochesterRochester | $64,348 | $73,828 | $77,297 | $21,000 | 0.28 |
| 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 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 176 graduates with reported earnings and 177 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.