Engineeringat Stony Brook University
Graduates earn $55,437/yr in their first year — about 20.0% below the national Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $877K; scenarios range from $756K to $913K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Stony Brook
Stony Brook's General Engineering program offers a robust foundation, and its strong national standing reflects the academic rigor and research opportunities available. While the initial earnings might appear modest compared to some highly specialized programs, this often reflects the diverse career paths graduates pursue within the competitive New York metropolitan area. Many opt for roles in defense, aerospace, or biotech on Long Island, while others leverage their broad skills in the broader tri-state engineering sector, where a generalist degree provides flexibility rather than immediate, top-tier specialization premiums. The curriculum excels at preparing students for a wide array of roles, including advanced degrees or eventual management positions, which tend to see significant salary growth later in their careers. Given the high AI risk associated with many engineering roles, focusing on developing strong problem-solving and adaptable skills, potentially through internships, will be crucial for long-term career resilience.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Stony Brook's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Engineering
How Stony Brook stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Stony Brook
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Stony Brook, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Engineering at Stony Brook
What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at Stony Brook University?
At 67/100, Stony Brook University's Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering at Stony Brook University?
The 46% 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 Stony Brook University one of the best schools for Engineering?
Among 47 Engineering programs, Stony Brook University's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is Stony Brook University a good choice for Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Stony Brook University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.