Engineering, General at Northern Virginia Community College
with 31,737 students enrolled in Annandale, VA.
Program Analysis
At $16,790 per year, Engineering, General graduates from Northern Virginia Community College earn below the $43,280 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 24.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Engineering, General programs nationally.
The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 46% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Engineering, General graduates.
Median debt of $9,282 represents roughly 7 months of the $16,790 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
This program is one of 6 schools offering Engineering, General in our dataset — a specialized trade with limited comparison points.
Five-year earnings of $83,194 show a 395% jump from the $16,790 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Engineering, General graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and engineering managers | $167,740 | +3.8% | 59% |
| Engineers, all other | $117,750 | +2.1% | 54% |
| Engineering teachers, postsecondary | $106,120 | +8.1% | 50% |
About Engineering, General Careers
With a general engineering foundation, you'll step into a world of practical problem-solving. Initially, you might work as a junior engineer, using CAD software to refine product designs or running quality control tests on a bustling manufacturing floor. As you gain expertise, you can advance into management. An engineering manager’s day is less about drafting and more about leadership: coordinating teams, overseeing budgets, and acting as the crucial link between clients and your technical staff. This leadership path offers top-tier earning potential.
Compare & Explore
Engineering, General Overview
Engineering, General at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Virginia Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.