Best Schools for Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering graduates earn a median of $70,711 within two years of graduation, ranking #8 out of 292 tracked majors — 99% above the median across all fields. There are 11 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 469 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $101,964 while Texas A & M International University graduates earn $38,289 — a $63,675 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Systems Engineering graduates see an average 5% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$70,711

Avg. 2yr Earnings

of 292 Majors

469

Graduates

Public vs Private: Systems Engineering

Public (8 schools)

$65,368

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (3 schools)

$84,961

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $19,593 more in early earnings on average for Systems Engineering graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Systems Engineering by State

Top Systems Engineering Schools by Graduate Earnings

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$101,964

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 5.9%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public

Maine Maritime Academy

Castine, ME · Public

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA · Public

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

Texas A & M International University

Laredo, TX · Public

Majors with Similar Earnings

Petroleum Engineering $75,155 Operations Research $73,589 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering $72,650 Mining and Mineral Engineering $72,531 Construction Engineering $71,301 Computer Engineering $69,856

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Systems Engineering?

University of Pennsylvania ranks #1 for Systems Engineering with median graduate earnings of $101,964 within two years. There are 11 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Systems Engineering graduates earn?

Systems Engineering graduates earn an average of $70,711 within two years of graduation. This is 99% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $38,289 to $101,964 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Systems Engineering program?

The average acceptance rate across Systems Engineering programs is 48.5%. The most selective program is at University of Pennsylvania with a 5.9% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Systems Engineering?

Private Systems Engineering programs average $84,961 in early earnings vs $65,368 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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