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Materials Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,488/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.4x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 33 Materials Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $805K $773K $679K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 16.4x 14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 5.9x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,056
Out-of-state: $131,504 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,156
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,936
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,572
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $76,488 at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus come in 7% above the national median of $71,341 for Materials Engineering programs.

With a 16.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Materials Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $76,488 far exceeding the $16,936 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ranks #4 among 33 Materials Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $76,488 to $89,572 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus accepts 16% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 18,260 in Atlanta, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Materials engineers $108,310/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 33 schools offering Materials Engineering →

Materials Engineering at Other Schools

University of Florida ($79,200) Drexel University ($78,623) Michigan State University ($78,276) Purdue University-Main Campus ($78,265) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($77,646) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($76,662) University of Connecticut ($75,607) University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus ($75,607)

Other Majors at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($105,137) Computer Engineering ($93,629) Industrial Engineering ($87,826) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,865) Chemical Engineering ($85,847) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($79,300) Mechanical Engineering ($78,862) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($76,507)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Materials Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Materials Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus?
The 48% 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 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus one of the best schools for Materials Engineering?
Among 33 Materials Engineering programs, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's #4 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 →