Engineering, Other.
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 Engineering, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 30.6%, 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 Engineering, Other. 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 $75239 and average student debt of $23047, the financial outlook for Engineering, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Engineering, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $75239, and with an average debt of $23047, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.31—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 3221 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, Engineering, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Engineering, Other (CIP 14.9999) is a versatile category for customized, emerging, or highly niche engineering programs that do not fit into traditional buckets. It is the home for "interdisciplinary pioneers" who are working on the frontiers of technology—areas like Quantum Engineering, Humanitarian Engineering, or Space Architecture. This major is often used by universities to create "Individualized Study" paths for students who want to merge multiple engineering disciplines to solve a specific, complex problem.
This field is ideal for "intellectual rebels"—individuals who find traditional engineering departments too narrow and want to build a unique toolkit to address the challenges of the mid-21st century.
What Is an "Engineering, Other" Degree?
A degree in this category is typically a bespoke STEM curriculum. Depending on the university, it may be a placeholder for a brand-new program (like "Sustainability Engineering" before it gets its own code) or a framework for a student-led major. You will master the fundamental "Engineering Core"—calculus, physics, and design logic—but your upper-level electives will be drawn from across different departments to create a specialized expertise that didn't exist a decade ago.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Interdisciplinary Architects" who can bridge the gap between fields like biology and computer hardware
- Develop experts in Emerging Technologies such as nanotechnology or renewable energy systems
- Prepare professionals for Specialized Industrial Needs that require a mix of mechanical, electrical, and chemical knowledge
- Support "Humanitarian Engineers" who design low-cost, high-impact infrastructure for developing nations
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that the most innovative solutions often happen at the "cracks" between traditional fields; they learn to speak multiple technical languages fluently.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Systems Integration—understanding how complex parts from different fields work together
- Use "Computational Modeling" to simulate systems that don't have a standard textbook solution
- Design Prototypes using a mix of traditional machining and high-tech 3D printing
- Perform Cross-Disciplinary Research to translate scientific discoveries into usable technology
- Utilize Project Management to lead teams that include specialists from diverse backgrounds
- Understand Design Thinking—focusing on the end-user's needs to drive technical requirements
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies wildly based on the student's focus, but often includes:
- Quantum Computing Systems: The engineering of the hardware required for quantum information.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Merging electrical grids with solar, wind, and storage technology.
- Micro-Nano Engineering: Designing machines and sensors at the molecular scale.
- Sustainable Development: Engineering infrastructure that balances economic growth with environmental health.
- Sports Engineering: Using mechanical and materials science to design high-performance athletic gear.
- Acoustical Engineering: The science of controlling sound and vibration in architecture and products.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as specialists and innovation leads in high-tech startups, research labs, and global consultancies.
Common job roles include:
- Systems Engineer: Managing the big-picture design of complex, multi-part projects.
- Innovation Consultant: Helping companies identify and implement "next-gen" technologies.
- R&D Engineer: Working in a laboratory to invent materials or devices that don't yet exist.
- Project Manager: Leading technical teams in industries like space tech or renewable energy.
- Technical Entrepreneur: Starting companies based on a unique interdisciplinary invention.
- Sustainability Analyst: Designing the technical pathways for a corporation to reach "net-zero" carbon.
Where Can You Work?
Because of their unique skills, these engineers are sought after by organizations that value "outside-the-box" thinking:
- Tech Startups: Working on the early-stage development of radical new products.
- National Research Labs: Conducting high-level science for agencies like NASA, DOE, or CERN.
- Defense and Space: Designing the complex systems for firms like SpaceX, Blue Origin, or Northrop Grumman.
- Environmental NGOs: Creating engineering solutions for clean water, energy, and housing worldwide.
- Corporate "Skunkworks" Teams: Working on secret, high-innovation projects for firms like Google (X) or Lockheed Martin.
How Much Can You Earn?
Salaries are highly dependent on the niche chosen, but "Other" engineers often command a premium because of their rare, specialized knowledge.
- Research Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $95,000–$130,000.
- Systems Architects: Salaries typically range from $115,000 to $170,000+.
- Specialized Consultants: Median annual salary of around $105,000–$150,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $75,000 and $95,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the lack of a roadmap. You cannot just follow a standard four-year plan; you must be proactive in selecting your courses and finding mentors. You have to master the core rigor of multiple fields, which can be more taxing than sticking to one. It requires a highly self-motivated mindset and the ability to explain your unique value to employers who might be more familiar with "Mechanical" or "Civil" degrees.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Have a very specific interest that doesn't fit into a standard major
- Love the "intersection" of fields—like music and engineering, or medicine and robotics
- Are a "polymath" who enjoys learning a little bit of everything
- Want to be at the forefront of a brand-new industry or technology
- Are comfortable being a "trailblazer" and defining your own career path
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Math and Physics available to ensure a strong foundation
- Engage in Personal Projects—building something that requires different types of skills
- Learn versatile tools like Python, CAD, and 3D printing
- Practice Networking—talk to engineers in different fields to see how they collaborate
- Read about Future Trends in MIT Technology Review or similar journals to find your niche
The ability to synthesize disparate engineering disciplines to solve the world's most unique and complex problems is the hallmark of a successful professional in the "Engineering, Other" field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor