Electrical Engineering at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,758/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (54,500 openings/yr)
ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 of 262 Electrical programs Top 50%

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 $843K $806K $684K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.3x 18.4x 15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.2x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$91,586
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $78,758/yr, Electrical Engineering graduates from Kansas State University land near the $77,516 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 18.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Electrical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #80 ranking among 262 Electrical Engineering programs places Kansas State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $78,758 to $91,586 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Kansas State University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Kansas State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 14,835 in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas State 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 Kansas State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Electrical Engineering at Kansas State University?
At 74/100, 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 Electrical Engineering at Kansas State 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 →