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 Virginia

Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Virginia-Main Campus$75,774
James Madison University$71,176$77,261$25,0000.35
National Median$67,911$26,0560.38

Other Engineering Programs in Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
$13,576$71,176$25,000

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 Virginia-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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.