At $20,575/yr net price, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates earn $129,455/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $95,455/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,575 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $129,455/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$95,455/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,058/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,690/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,333/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,098/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,317/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $75,706 | $14,512 |
The Risk Factor
92.2% of students at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $129,455 ten years after graduation, placing it among the top engineering schools nationally. Your net price of $20,575 creates a strong value proposition when weighed against these earning outcomes.
The school's engineering programs produce solid early-career salaries, with mechanical engineering graduates earning $78,343, electrical engineering at $76,460, and general engineering at $75,706. These starting salaries position you well for the higher long-term earnings reflected in the ten-year median. The relatively low median debt of $19,500 keeps your financial risk manageable.
Olin's financial aid picture presents both opportunity and limitation. Only 13.47% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting the school primarily serves families who can afford the full cost or qualify for merit scholarships. This creates a financial barrier for middle-income families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the price tag.
You should consider Olin if you can manage the upfront costs and want access to a tight-knit engineering program with strong industry connections in the Boston area. The 92.20% graduation rate and 98.67% retention rate indicate you'll likely complete your degree and see the projected returns.
Skip Olin if you need substantial financial aid or want lower-cost alternatives. The school works best for families who can afford the net price without significant borrowing. If you qualify for merit aid or can pay the costs outright, the long-term earnings justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franklin W Olin College of Engineering worth the high tuition cost?
Franklin W Olin College offers strong financial aid that brings the average net price down to $20,575 per year, making it more affordable than many engineering schools. With 10-year earnings averaging $129,455 and relatively low debt loads of $19,500, the return on investment is solid for most graduates.
What is the job outlook for Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates?
Olin graduates earn strong salaries across engineering fields, with mechanical engineers averaging $78,343 and electrical engineers earning $76,460 in early career. The 92% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs successfully.
How much student debt do Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Franklin W Olin College is $19,500, which is relatively low for an engineering degree. This manageable debt load combined with strong earning potential makes the financial risk reasonable for most students.
Which engineering programs at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering have the best ROI?
Mechanical engineering leads with $78,343 average earnings, followed by electrical engineering at $76,460. All engineering programs at Olin show solid returns given the school's generous financial aid and low debt levels.