Engineering vs Business Degree: Which Makes You More Money?

Choosing between Engineering and Business is one of the most common dilemmas for incoming college students. Both are solid degrees, but they lead to very different career paths and salary outcomes. Let's break down the data.

Engineering vs Business: Salary at Every Career Stage

Career Stage	Engineering	Business
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000	$58,000
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$105,000	$90,000
Senior Level	$150,000+	$140,000+

Job Growth and Demand

Engineering has projected job growth of 7% through 2032. Technical skills, problem-solving, often requires specific licensure (PE).

Business has projected job growth of 8% through 2032. Broad applicability, management track, networking-heavy career progression.

Which Degree Has Better ROI?

Engineers start higher but business majors catch up in management roles. The key difference: engineering ROI is front-loaded, while business ROI compounds over decades as you move into leadership.

The real answer depends on your specific school and what you pay. Use Ask Kinsley's Engineering rankings and Business rankings to compare Value Scores at schools you're considering.

The Bottom Line: Engineering vs Business

Both degrees can lead to a successful career. The best choice depends on your interests, risk tolerance, and career goals. Whatever you choose, attend the most affordable school that offers a strong program in your field — the school's price tag matters as much as the major itself.

Compare actual salary data and costs at askkinsley.com.