Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) at United States Coast Guard Academy

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$77,411

Est. from CT median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from CT median (5 programs)

Analysis

The Coast Guard Academy presents an unusual case for electrical engineering—as a service academy, graduates actually incur no debt (they serve as officers after graduation), yet the estimated figures here suggest $27,000 based on typical Connecticut engineering programs. This is misleading: your child would graduate debt-free in exchange for a five-year service commitment.

The estimated first-year earnings of $77,411 align perfectly with Connecticut's state median for engineering programs, though these figures represent what civilian engineers earn, not military compensation. Coast Guard officers receive a combination of base pay, housing allowances, and benefits that don't translate directly to these civilian salary comparisons. The real financial calculation here isn't about debt-to-earnings ratios—it's whether your child is prepared for the military service requirement that comes with the free education.

The academy's 24% admission rate and strong academic profile (1290 SAT average) signal a competitive program, but the decision hinges entirely on whether your child wants to become a Coast Guard officer. If they're committed to military service, this is an exceptional value. If they're uncertain about that commitment or primarily interested in civilian engineering work immediately after college, they should look elsewhere—the service obligation isn't optional.

Where United States Coast Guard Academy Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
United States Coast Guard AcademyNew London	—	$77,411*	—	$27,000*	—
University of New HavenWest Haven	$45,730	$85,618*	$87,071	—*	—
University of ConnecticutStorrs	$20,366	$77,411*	$87,623	$27,000*	0.35
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury	$17,462	$77,411*	$87,623	$27,000*	0.35
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton	$17,462	$77,411*	$87,623	$27,000*	0.35
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford	$17,472	$77,411*	$87,623	$27,000*	0.35
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). 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 median of 6 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.