Est. Earnings (1yr)
$77,710
Est. from national median (262 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

Electrical engineering programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $78,000, and peer programs at institutions similar to Southern New Hampshire University typically see graduates leaving with about $26,000 in debt. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests borrowers would dedicate roughly four months of gross income to their loans—a manageable number by any standard, especially in a field where employers actively recruit new graduates.

The real question is whether SNHU's engineering program can deliver outcomes matching its New Hampshire neighbor. The University of New Hampshire reports first-year earnings of nearly $82,000 for electrical engineering graduates, though it's worth noting that UNH is a traditional engineering school with extensive lab facilities and industry connections that may be harder for SNHU to replicate. With a 96% admission rate and nearly half of students on Pell grants, SNHU serves a different population, which could affect both the campus engineering culture and recruiting pipelines.

For families comfortable with some uncertainty, the estimated numbers point to a reasonable investment—engineering credentials generally hold value regardless of where they're earned. But given that only two New Hampshire schools offer this major and we're working entirely from estimates here, you'd want to dig into SNHU's specific engineering infrastructure, faculty credentials, and employer relationships before committing. The degree format matters too: if this is primarily an online program, understand how hands-on components work and whether recruiters in your target region treat it equivalently to traditional programs.

Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$77,710*—$26,000*—
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham$19,112$81,981*$87,297$27,000*0.33
National Median—$77,710*—$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 New Hampshire University, approximately 47% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 262 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.