Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU's mechanical engineering program delivers exactly what anxious parents hope for: solid starting salaries with manageable debt. At $73,355 right out of college against just $22,235 in debt, graduates enter the workforce with a debt load they could theoretically pay off in four months of gross earnings. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio is textbook financial health for an engineering degree.

Within Virginia's competitive landscape, VCU holds its own at the state median, matching programs at schools with far lower admission rates. While Virginia Tech grads start about $5,000 higher, VCU students graduate with roughly $2,000 less debt on average—a meaningful tradeoff given VCU's 93% admission rate makes it accessible to a broader range of students. The 30% Pell grant rate suggests the program successfully serves students who need affordable pathways into engineering careers.

The limited earnings growth—just 4% over four years—means graduates should plan carefully around that strong starting salary rather than banking on rapid advancement. But with first-year earnings already clearing $73,000 and debt staying low, graduates have financial flexibility from day one. For Virginia families seeking an accessible engineering program that won't saddle students with crushing debt, VCU delivers reliable value.