Nuclear Engineering at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · Certificate

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 20,189 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $70,326/yr, roughly in line with the $70,326 national median for Nuclear Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 44.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nuclear Engineering graduates.

With first-year pay of $70,326 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

With only 1 programs offering Nuclear Engineering nationally, this is a niche field. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus ranks #1 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $70,326 to $94,224 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
59
Score
61
High End
Earnings $70,326/yr (0% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$999K
7.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
46.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$21,524
Out-of-state: $39,890
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,224
34% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nuclear Engineering graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Nuclear engineers $127,520 -1.1% 45%
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120 +8.1% 50%
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof
Nuclear engineers
$127,520
-1.1% growth 45% AI-proof
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
$106,120
+8.1% growth 50% AI-proof

Nuclear Engineering Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nuclear Engineering careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Nuclear Engineering career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nuclear Engineering Overview

Other Majors at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nuclear Engineering at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
This program scores 59/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nuclear Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI affect Nuclear Engineering careers?
Our scenarios model 49% of Nuclear Engineering tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's 59/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Why does University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus rank so high for Nuclear Engineering?
Among 1 Nuclear Engineering programs, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →