Systems Engineering at Southern Methodist University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Methodist University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Methodist University graduates earn $115k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all systems engineering masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Systems Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Texas (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University | $115,443 | $120,931 | — | — |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $109,325 | — | — | — |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | $93,203 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $115,562 | — | — | — |
Other Systems Engineering Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson | $14,564 | $109,325 | — |
| The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso | $9,744 | $93,203 | — |
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 Southern Methodist University, approximately 12% 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.