Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn $83k, placing them in the 16th percentile of all mechanical engineering masters programs nationally.
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
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (2 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $83,163 | $94,024 | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
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.