Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $92,222/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (54,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #208 of 262 Electrical programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $931K $885K $738K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.5x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,583
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$103,304
12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northeastern University's Electrical Engineering graduates start at $92,222/yr — above the $77,516 national average, though not by a wide margin.

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 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Electrical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $24,583 in median debt clears quickly against $92,222 in annual earnings.

A #208 ranking among 262 Electrical Engineering programs places Northeastern University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $92,222 to $103,304 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Northeastern University

Only 6% of applicants gain admission to Northeastern University, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 15,719 in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Electrical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northeastern University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Electrical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University?
The 56% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →