Analysis
Compared to typical engineering bachelor's programs nationwide, which produce median first-year earnings around $73,000, this program appears to track right at the national average. The estimated debt load of $22,875 aligns closely with what engineering graduates across the country typically carry, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. That's a manageable number for a field where early-career earnings tend to be strong.
What complicates the picture here is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than UNH's actual graduate outcomes. As New Hampshire's only program tracked at this level, there's no in-state comparison point to gauge whether UNH specifically delivers better or worse results than the national baseline. The school's 87% admission rate and middling SAT scores suggest it's accessible rather than hyper-selective, which could mean broader engineering pathways for students who don't fit the elite-school mold.
The fundamentals look sound: engineering remains one of the most reliable credential-to-career pathways, and the estimated numbers don't suggest any red flags. But without knowing how UNH's specific graduates actually fare, you're betting on the assumption that this program performs roughly like the national average. If your student thrives in hands-on, applied learning environments—where many land-grant schools excel—that bet may prove conservative.
Where University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,112 | $72,877* | — | $22,875* | — | |
| $11,505 | $80,931* | $85,817 | $18,750* | 0.23 | |
| $12,859 | $78,734* | $92,338 | $22,000* | 0.28 | |
| $8,578 | $78,264* | — | $13,000* | 0.17 | |
| $10,816 | $77,421* | $92,472 | $26,500* | 0.34 | |
| $9,401 | $76,059* | $79,387 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $72,876* | — | $22,694* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems 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 New Hampshire-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 16 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.