Analysis
Engineering-related degrees sit in an odd space—neither traditional engineering nor technology management—and the estimated figures here suggest this program at UIW falls squarely in the middle of what's typical nationally. Based on comparable bachelor's programs across the country, graduates typically earn around $69,000 in their first year, with debt near $27,000. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by most standards, suggesting graduates would dedicate roughly 5 months of gross income to paying off loans—a reasonable burden for a technical field.
The challenge is interpreting what "engineering-related" actually delivers at this particular school. These interdisciplinary programs can range from quality assurance and systems engineering to technical sales or project coordination—very different career trajectories with potentially different earning potential. The national data pools all these variations together, which means UIW's specific curriculum could perform better or worse than these peer-program estimates suggest. With only six Texas schools offering similar degrees and none reporting sufficient data for comparison, you're flying somewhat blind on how this program stacks up locally.
For an accessible private school (93% admission rate) serving a substantial working-class population (43% Pell-eligible), the estimated numbers suggest functional outcomes—not spectacular, but viable. The real question is whether this specific engineering-related track aligns with actual industry demand in San Antonio. Before committing, determine exactly what specialization this degree offers and verify that local employers recognize and value it.
Where University of the Incarnate Word 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,660 | $68,919* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $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 the Incarnate Word, approximately 43% 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.