Applied Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Applied Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 29.6%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Applied Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $69242 and average student debt of $20470, the financial outlook for Applied Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Applied Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $69242, and with an average debt of $20470, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.3—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 12241 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Applied Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Applied Engineering (CIP 14.0103) is a dynamic field that bridges the gap between pure engineering design and practical industrial application. While a traditional engineer might focus on the mathematical theory behind a new component, an applied engineer focuses on how to manufacture, install, and maintain that component within a complex system. It is a path for "technical solvers"—individuals who love to turn blueprints into functional, high-performance realities.
This field is ideal for "systems integrators"—people who enjoy working at the intersection of management, technology, and production to ensure that industrial processes run at peak efficiency.
What Is an Applied Engineering Degree?
A degree in Applied Engineering focuses on the integration of engineering principles with business management. Because it is "applied," the curriculum is heavily weighted toward laboratory work and real-world projects. You might study how to optimize a robotic assembly line, manage a "Smart Factory" through the Internet of Things (IoT), or oversee the quality control for aerospace parts. It is a STEM major that treats the factory floor as a giant, living laboratory.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Production Engineers" who can manage the transition from a prototype to a mass-produced product
- Develop experts in Industrial Automation and robotics maintenance
- Prepare professionals for Technical Management, overseeing teams of technicians and designers
- Study Supply Chain Engineering to ensure raw materials move through a facility with zero waste
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that engineering success isn't just about a perfect design; it’s about making that design work within the constraints of time, budget, and physical materials.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to translate digital designs into machine instructions
- Use "Lean Manufacturing" and "Six Sigma" protocols to eliminate waste and errors
- Program and maintain PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) that run automated industrial systems
- Perform "Root Cause Analysis" to figure out why a mechanical system failed
- Apply Quality Assurance (QA) techniques to meet international safety and performance standards
- Understand "Industrial Safety and OSHA" regulations to protect the workforce
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of hard engineering, electronics, and organizational leadership:
- Materials Science: Testing how metals, plastics, and composites behave under heat and pressure.
- Control Systems: The study of sensors and feedback loops that allow machines to operate autonomously.
- Applied Thermodynamics: How energy and heat move through engines and industrial cooling systems.
- Operations Management: The business logic of labor scheduling and facility layouts.
- Mechatronics: A combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
- Sustainability in Engineering: Reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing plants.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles where they manage the "how" of technology rather than just the "why."
Common job roles include:
- Manufacturing Engineer: Designing the actual processes and tools used to build products.
- Operations Manager: Overseeing the daily technical activities of a production facility.
- Field Service Engineer: Traveling to client sites to install and troubleshoot complex machinery.
- Quality Control Engineer: Ensuring every item that leaves a factory meets exact specifications.
- Automation Specialist: Building and maintaining the robotic arms and conveyors in a "dark factory."
- Technical Sales Engineer: Helping clients understand and implement high-tech engineering solutions.
Where Can You Work?
Applied engineers are the "engine room" of the modern economy:
- Aerospace and Defense: Building aircraft, satellites, and sophisticated defense systems.
- Automotive Industry: Managing the assembly lines for electric and autonomous vehicles.
- Renewable Energy: Designing the production and maintenance of wind turbines and solar panels.
- Medical Device Firms: Overseeing the high-precision manufacturing of implants and scanners.
- Logistics and Distribution: Optimizing the robotic sorting systems for global shipping giants.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings are competitive, often matching traditional engineering salaries because of the high demand for people who understand both management and technology.
- Manufacturing Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $82,000–$105,000.
- Operations Managers (Technical): Salaries typically range from $90,000 to $130,000.
- Automation Specialists: Median annual salary of around $75,000–$98,000.
- Quality Engineers: Salaries often range from $70,000 to $92,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the technical versatility. You must be proficient in Calculus and Physics to understand the engineering side, but you also need "practical savvy" to work with your hands and "soft skills" to manage people. It requires a "builder's spirit"—someone who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty in a lab but can also write a detailed financial report. It is less abstract than theoretical engineering but requires much more knowledge of diverse machines and software.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love engineering but want to see your work "moving" on a factory floor rather than just on a screen
- Are a "natural tinkerer" who likes to improve how systems work
- Want a career that offers a mix of office time and "boots-on-the-ground" technical work
- Are interested in leadership and managing teams of people
- Want to be a part of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" (Industry 4.0)
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Physics, Pre-Calculus, and Computer Science
- Join a robotics team or a MakerSpace to get hands-on experience with tools and electronics
- Practice 3D Printing and CAD; being able to model parts is a massive head start
- Take a "Business or Management" elective to understand how companies operate
- Work on projects that require "troubleshooting"—whether it's fixing a bike or building a computer
The ability to apply high-level engineering theory to solve the practical, real-world problems of modern industry is the hallmark of a successful applied engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor