Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 signals relatively manageable borrowing for an engineering-adjacent field, though both figures here derive from national peer programs rather than UNT's actual graduates. Engineering-related degrees typically serve students who want technical work without pursuing traditional engineering—think engineering technology, construction management, or surveying—and comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $69,000. That's respectable for a bachelor's degree, though it trails what conventional engineering majors earn in Texas. The estimated $25,000 debt burden would take roughly four months of gross income to cover, assuming standard repayment.
What makes this harder to assess is that "engineering-related" encompasses vastly different career paths with different earning trajectories. Some specializations lead to steady mid-career growth in construction or manufacturing; others plateau earlier. Without knowing UNT's specific program focus or actual graduate outcomes, you're relying on national patterns that may not reflect what this particular program delivers. The university's 72% admission rate and solid Pell Grant enrollment suggest accessibility, but that tells you nothing about whether this specific major connects graduates to the better-paying corners of engineering-related work.
The practical question: Can you confirm what concentration your child would pursue and whether UNT's career placement in that area justifies the investment? The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable financial foundation, but with only peer data available, you need program-specific employment information before committing.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,164 | $68,919* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $62,484 | $100,788* | $141,630 | —* | — | |
| $60,952 | $79,755* | $94,324 | $26,975* | 0.34 | |
| $15,988 | $76,563* | $82,682 | $23,756* | 0.31 | |
| — | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,051 | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.