Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Louisville

University of Louisville's electrical engineering program delivers exactly what you'd expect in starting salary—right at the national median—but shines in one critical area: remarkably low debt. At just $13,311, graduates owe roughly half what's typical for this major nationwide and nearly $6,000 less than the Kentucky median. That 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio is among the best you'll find for engineering programs anywhere.

The earnings trajectory tells a straightforward story. First-year graduates make $77,732, matching Kentucky's median and landing at the 60th percentile statewide (slightly ahead of Western Kentucky but trailing UK by a few hundred dollars). Four years out, incomes reach $84,273—solid 8% growth that keeps pace with the field. These aren't spectacular numbers, but they're respectable for an accessible program with an 81% admission rate.

Here's the practical calculation: with engineering starting salaries in the upper-$70,000s and debt that represents just two months of gross income, Louisville graduates can pay off loans quickly and start building wealth early in their careers. The relatively modest sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the core value proposition is clear. For Kentucky families seeking an affordable engineering degree from an accessible institution, this program offers a strong return without the crushing debt that often accompanies STEM education.