Engineering-Related Fields at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
69
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,904/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 31 Engineering-Related Fields programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $747K $729K $653K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 11.7x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 69 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,622
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,243
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $68,904/yr, roughly in line with the $69,301 national median for Engineering-Related Fields. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 11.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $68,904 far exceeding the $22,622 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #8 out of 31 programs, Clemson University's Engineering-Related Fields offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $68,904 to $90,243 shows 31% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Clemson University

Clemson University accepts 38% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 22,778 students enrolled in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Industrial production managers $121,440/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering-Related Fields at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clemson 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

How does Clemson University's Engineering-Related Fields program score?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Engineering-Related Fields graduates.
How vulnerable is Engineering-Related Fields to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Engineering-Related Fields careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →