Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Earnings Distribution
How Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $83,163 | $94,024 | +13% |
| Stanford University | $121,408 | $150,128 | +24% |
| Santa Clara University | $124,058 | $134,493 | +8% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $155,889 | $131,008 | -16% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $108,892 | $119,218 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $83,163 | $94,024 | — | — |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $155,889 | $131,008 | — | — |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $124,058 | $134,493 | — | — |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $121,408 | $150,128 | — | — |
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $114,588 | $116,998 | — | — |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $112,996 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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- All Programs that apply math and science to design systems, structures, and processes. Includes civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, biomedical, and computer engineering. programs nationwide
- All programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- College programs in Virginia
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, approximately 15% 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.