Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's Environmental Engineering program produces graduates earning $65,634 their first year—slightly above the national median—but the real story here is the debt picture. At $26,950, graduates carry roughly $4,000 more debt than the national median, though the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio still qualifies as manageable. The modest 8% earnings growth to $70,735 by year four suggests steady but unspectacular career progression in a field that typically rewards specialization over time.

The catch: this analysis draws from fewer than 30 graduates, meaning these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. Still, the fundamentals look reasonable—graduates enter a growing field with starting salaries that cover their debt burden within reasonable timeframes, and Delaware's accessible admission rate (65%) makes this pathway attainable for students with solid but not exceptional academic credentials.

For parents weighing this investment, the question comes down to their child's commitment to environmental work specifically. The earnings aren't eye-popping compared to other engineering disciplines, but the manageable debt and stable career trajectory make this a defensible choice for students genuinely interested in environmental challenges. Just recognize you're betting on limited data—ask the program about job placement specifics and whether most graduates stay in the environmental sector or pivot to related fields.