Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Kansas
Bachelor's Degree
ku.eduAnalysis
University of Kansas electrical engineering graduates start strong at $81,330—well above both the national median ($77,710) and Kansas State's outcomes. However, that small sample caveat matters here: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift significantly year-to-year. The 60th percentile ranking among Kansas programs suggests solid but not exceptional performance within the state, though you're looking at just three programs total making that comparison.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $21,500, translating to a 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can manage comfortably on an engineering salary. More concerning is the modest 7% earnings growth over four years—from $81,330 to $86,763. Strong engineering programs typically show steeper trajectory as graduates move beyond entry-level roles, and this plateau could indicate limited advancement opportunities or geographic constraints in Kansas's smaller tech market.
For a student admitted to both Kansas schools, the choice comes down to fit and cost rather than outcomes. KU's engineering program delivers comparable results to Kansas State at a similar debt load. Just remember these numbers represent a small cohort, so they're better viewed as a directional signal than a guarantee—especially given KU's 88% admission rate suggests less selectivity than elite engineering programs that might offer stronger alumni networks or recruiting pipelines.
Where University of Kansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | $81,330 | $86,763 | +7% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $137,295 | $202,911 | +48% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $117,345 | $172,897 | +47% |
| Kansas State University | $78,758 | $87,029 | +11% |
| Wichita State University | $77,435 | $82,574 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,700 | $81,330 | $86,763 | $21,500 | 0.26 | |
| $10,942 | $78,758 | $87,029 | $23,105 | 0.29 | |
| $9,322 | $77,435 | $82,574 | $22,500 | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
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 University of Kansas, approximately 20% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.