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Engineering at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, General
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $86,416/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #17 of 47 Engineering, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,009K $964K $821K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.5x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 69% 63% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,288
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$117,101
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $86,416/yr, edging above the $69,222 national average for Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $86,416 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #17 ranking among 47 Engineering programs places Brown University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 36% earnings increase from $86,416 to $117,101 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Brown University

Brown University admits 5% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 7,273 in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 47 schools offering Engineering →

Engineering at Other Schools

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($109,455) Harvey Mudd College ($92,491) University of California-Davis ($82,956) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($78,211) Lafayette College ($76,507) McNeese State University ($75,566) Michigan State University ($75,058) University of Southern Indiana ($74,976)

Other Majors at Brown University

Computer Science ($151,065) Applied Mathematics ($99,193) Public Health ($75,909) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($74,180) Economics ($72,064) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($67,900) Public Policy Analysis ($58,161) Political Science and Government ($54,634)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at Brown University?
At 60/100, Brown University's Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering at Brown University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for Engineering at Brown University?
The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,920. At a net cost of $106,288, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →