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Engineering at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, General
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,176/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 47 Engineering, General programs Top 25%

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 $784K $758K $667K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.4x 14.0x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.2x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 69% 63% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,750
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,212
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

James Madison University's Engineering program produces graduates earning $71,176/yr — within striking distance of the $69,222 national average for this field.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $24,750 in median debt clears quickly against $71,176 in annual earnings.

James Madison University ranks #10 among 47 Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 24% earnings increase from $71,176 to $88,212 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About James Madison University

A 76% acceptance rate means James Madison University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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) Brown University ($86,416) 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)

Other Majors at James Madison University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($81,761) Information Science/Studies ($80,173) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,490) Accounting and Related Services ($71,563) Finance and Financial Management Services ($67,849) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,931) Systems Science and Theory ($65,683) Economics ($62,286)

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 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at James Madison University?
At 67/100, James Madison 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 James Madison 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.
Is James Madison University one of the best schools for Engineering?
Among 47 Engineering programs, James Madison University's #10 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →