Location: Laramie, WY•In-State Tuition: $6,938•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,718•Admission Rate: 97%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$79,942
Est. from national median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$19,500
Est. from national median (9 programs)

Analysis

Based on peer programs nationally, systems engineering graduates typically earn around $79,900 in their first year—strong compensation that easily supports the estimated $19,500 debt burden suggested by comparable University of Wyoming bachelor's programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, this looks like one of the more financially sensible engineering paths available.

The challenge for parents is that these figures aren't based on Wyoming's actual outcomes—the graduate cohort is too small to report publicly. As the only systems engineering program in the state, there's no local benchmark for comparison. What we do know: nationally, this field produces remarkably consistent earnings, with the top quarter of programs reaching only $84,400. That narrow range suggests employers value the credential itself over program prestige, which could work in favor of Wyoming's accessible, in-state option.

The real question is whether Wyoming can deliver the industry connections that turn a systems engineering degree into those typical outcomes. With a 97% admission rate and relatively low Pell enrollment for a public university, this isn't a program scrambling for students—but you'll want to investigate career placement services and internship pipelines directly. The estimated numbers point to solid value if execution matches national norms.

Where University of Wyoming Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all systems engineering bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wyoming (estimated ±10%)Other systems engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Systems Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of WyomingLaramie$6,938$79,942*—$19,500*—
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville$20,986$91,178*$113,099$19,500*0.21
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$85,698*$97,980$19,250*0.22
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$84,942*$106,147$21,000*0.25
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis$62,982$83,874*—$20,500*0.24
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$81,785*—$17,800*0.22
National Median—$79,942*—$20,500*0.26
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with systems engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Engineers

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

$101,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.

$101,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Validation Engineers

Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.

$101,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Manufacturing Engineers

Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.

$101,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

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 Wyoming, approximately 22% 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 11 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.