Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Maryland-College Park

UMD's electrical engineering program launches graduates at $85,500—nearly $8,000 above the national median and $6,000 ahead of Maryland's typical outcome. While this ranks in the 60th percentile among Maryland engineering schools (trailing Capitol Technology slightly), it places in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning it outperforms nearly all comparable programs across the country. The modest $23,804 in median debt translates to a 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio, allowing graduates to pay off loans in roughly 3-4 months of pre-tax salary.

The steady climb to nearly $90,000 by year four demonstrates reliable career progression, though the 5% earnings growth is relatively modest for engineering. What matters more is the starting point: these graduates enter the workforce with salaries that many other programs only reach mid-career. Maryland's strong defense and technology corridor (NASA, cybersecurity firms, federal contractors) creates immediate opportunities for UMD engineers, and the university's reputation opens doors well beyond the state.

For parents concerned about engineering program quality, this represents a clear win. You're paying in-state tuition at a top-tier flagship and getting earnings that rival elite private universities. The debt burden is manageable enough that graduates have genuine career flexibility rather than being forced into the highest-paying role just to service loans.