Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Rochester
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Rochester's electrical engineering program delivers earnings that place it in the top 11% nationally while charging significantly less debt than most competitors. At $83,705 in first-year earnings with just $18,750 in debt, graduates face a debt burden that's a quarter of what they'll earn—one of the most favorable ratios you'll find in engineering. That debt level sits comfortably below both the national and New York state medians, meaning your child would likely borrow less here than at most alternatives.
The $103,652 four-year earnings figure represents solid growth and puts graduates ahead of typical early-career trajectories. Within New York, this program ranks at the 60th percentile—respectable when you consider it's competing against powerhouses like Cornell. Rochester actually outperforms RIT and nearly matches Syracuse, despite the school's admission rate suggesting it's more accessible than its outcomes might indicate. The moderate sample size means these numbers reflect actual graduate experiences, not outliers.
For families concerned about engineering program costs, Rochester offers an unusually clean value proposition: strong immediate employment outcomes, manageable debt, and steady salary progression. Your child would graduate with debt they could realistically pay off within months of their first paycheck while building toward six-figure earnings. That's a rare combination at this selectivity level.
Where University of Rochester Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Rochester graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Rochester graduates earn $84k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rochester | $83,705 | $103,652 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
| Cornell University | $100,516 | $118,743 | $14,750 | 0.15 |
| Syracuse University | $84,494 | — | — | — |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $84,019 | $96,554 | $12,000 | 0.14 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $83,412 | $102,236 | $24,625 | 0.30 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $82,726 | $84,896 | $29,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University Ithaca | $66,014 | $100,516 | $14,750 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $84,494 | — |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $84,019 | $12,000 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy | $61,884 | $83,412 | $24,625 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester | $57,016 | $82,726 | $29,000 |
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 Rochester, approximately 16% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 46 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.