Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Minnesota-Duluth

UMN-Duluth's electrical engineering program produces graduates who earn slightly below the national median but perform solidly within Minnesota—landing at the 60th percentile among state programs. First-year earnings of $74,197 beat the Minnesota median by about $2,500, and they're not far behind the flagship campus in Minneapolis. The debt load of $26,471 translates to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can expect to pay off loans within roughly four months of gross income.

What's particularly encouraging here is the steady earnings trajectory: graduates see 11% income growth between years one and four, reaching $82,317. For families weighing the Twin Cities campus against Duluth, that $5,600 first-year earnings gap may matter less than you'd think—especially considering Duluth's 82% admission rate makes it significantly more accessible. The moderate sample size suggests established employer relationships in the region, likely with Minnesota Power, Polaris, and the area's growing tech sector.

The value proposition is straightforward: you're getting reliable engineering outcomes at a school where admission is far less competitive than the flagship. If your child is likely to work in Minnesota after graduation, this program delivers mid-pack state performance with low financial risk. The numbers don't scream exceptional value, but they demonstrate a solid return on investment for an accessible engineering degree.