Is an Engineering Degree Worth It?

Key takeaways

An engineering degree is worth earning, as a bachelor’s degree is typically the entry-level degree for many engineering jobs.

• According to Zippia, 77.3 percent of mechanical engineers and 66.4 percent of computer engineers hold a bachelor’s degree [1, 2].

• Earning an engineering degree may lead to a higher starting salary, greater lifetime earning potential, and more career options.

• You can earn an engineering degree to prepare for various roles, including civil, electrical, or mechanical engineer, engineering manager, or chief technical officer.

Learn whether an engineering degree is worth it and the factors you should consider when determining whether to earn a degree in this area.

Is an engineering degree worth it?

An engineering degree typically refers to a bachelor's degree in engineering. Given the specialized knowledge required to work in this field, many roles require at least an undergraduate degree, as reflected in the high percentage of professionals with that type of education. For example, 77.3 percent of mechanical engineers and 66.4 percent of computer engineers have a bachelor's degree [1, 2].

To become an engineer without a degree, you can generally explore junior roles that often don’t require degrees, such as electrical technician, junior computer programmer, or CAD technician. In these positions, you'll likely gain relevant skills and experience. However, you will likely be expected to have a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, an understanding of industry-specific concepts, and a working knowledge of key software and tools. It's also worth noting that at some point, you may need an academic degree to advance.

Benefits of an engineering degree

Earning an engineering degree comes with additional benefits beyond entry into the field. Consider the following advantages of an engineering degree.

1. Higher starting salary

As a whole, engineering is among the highest-paying fields. An engineering degree typically leads to median annual salaries of $100,000, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [3]. Depending on which area you study, you may earn even higher salaries. For instance, electrical engineers earn a median annual salary of $118,780 [4].

2. More lifetime earning power

Beginning your career in a high-paying role can mean that you're able to earn more throughout your working lifetime. Individuals with bachelor's degrees earn higher weekly earnings than those with a high school degree. The BLS reports that bachelor’s degree holders earn $1,543 per week, on average, compared to $1,020 for those with some college and $930 for high school graduates. Over the course of your career, this difference can lead to significantly higher earnings [5].

3. More career options

Engineering fields are in demand, according to the BLS [3]. An engineering degree can open up different career opportunities. Thanks to the rigorous technical training you receive, as well as the problem-solving and critical thinking skills you develop in a degree program, you may be a more competitive candidate.

4. Clear advancement opportunities

An engineering degree is often a requirement to advance from an entry-level role to a more senior position. With an engineering degree in hand, you may be able to progress in your career in a more rapid manner.

5. Recognized credential

While engineering often requires some type of certification or licensure, depending on the area in which you work, an engineering degree remains a respected professional credential that shows you've gained formalized education to succeed.

6. Skills development

Pursuing a degree in engineering allows you to not only learn about your area but also gain a working knowledge of related areas, which can broaden your career prospects or add to the specialized knowledge you develop about an area of engineering.

7. Internships

Engineering degree programs typically encourage internships, which can be an excellent way to make connections at a company where you'd eventually like to work. Even if you pursue roles elsewhere, internships can be useful experiences to add to your resume and help you build real-world experience.

8. Networking

Enrolling in an engineering degree program presents you with an opportunity to build a crucial network of peers and faculty that can be beneficial as you progress in your career.

Engineering degree considerations

An engineering degree is a significant investment in your future. Let's review some of the factors you should consider when determining whether this type of education is the right choice for you.

Time

It takes around four to five years of full-time study to earn your bachelor's degree in engineering. A master's degree in engineering, which can be beneficial as you seek more senior or leadership career opportunities, takes around two years of full-time study. If you need to work while earning your degree, attending part-time will extend the length of time it takes to graduate, though it may be useful in reducing the overall cost of your education.

Cost

The cost of college will depend on several factors, including whether you attend a public or private institution. Typically, you'll be responsible for tuition, fees, and books and materials. If you attend an in-person program and live on campus, you may need to pay for amenities, such as housing, health insurance, and parking. Financial aid, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities can help offset these costs.

Learn more: Jobs to Pay for College

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Yes, you can earn $250,000 as an engineer, particularly in leadership and specialized roles. For example, a chief engineer earns a median total pay of $279,000, according to Glassdoor [6]. A senior AI engineer commands a median total pay of $286,000 annually [7]. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Careers you can pursue with an engineering degree

Earning an engineering degree can lead to several career opportunities. Let's explore some of the more traditional roles and technical leadership roles to consider.

Traditional engineering roles:

• Civil engineer

• Computer engineer

• Design engineer

• Electrical engineer

• Project engineer

• Mechanical engineer

• Network security engineer

• Operations engineer

• Robotics engineer

• Security engineering

Technical leadership roles:

• Engineering manager

• Technical director

• Chief technical officer

Discover free resources for your engineering career

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to explore career tips and industry trends. Then, prepare for an engineering career by accessing the following free resources:

• Read an insider story: ‘A Bucket List To-Do’: One Student’s Path to a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management

• Consider your options: What Should You Earn: A Certificate or Degree? 

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career Is Right for Me? Quiz

Complete your bachelor’s degree or pursue your master’s degree with flexible programs from esteemed university partners on Coursera.