Ceramic Engineering Degree in Arlington, TX — Salary & ROI 2026
Ceramic Engineering degree analysis for Arlington, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$70K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$101K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
2.7 yrs
in Arlington
Cost of Living
93.5
index (100 = avg)
Ceramic Engineering in Arlington, TX Overview
Arlington, Texas (pop. 394,266) has 14 colleges offering Ceramic Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 93.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $795/month. Ceramic Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Ceramics and Materials Testing. The adjusted starting salary in Arlington is approximately $70,125.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
14
Public Tuition
$10,900/yr
Private Tuition
$36,000/yr
Room & Board
$14,627/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$14,822/yr
Unemployment
3.3%
Graduation Rate
51%
Ceramic Engineering Salary in Arlington (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Arlington's cost of living index of 93.5 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Ceramic Engineering salary: $75,000 starting, $108,000 mid-career, $140,000 senior level.Arlington adjustment factor: 0.94x based on the local cost of living index.
Ceramic Engineering ROI Calculator for Arlington
Estimate your return on investment for a Ceramic Engineering degree using local Arlington tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $10,900 | Private avg: $36,000
Arlington avg aid: $14,822/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$102,108
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$37,400
vs HS diploma in Arlington
ROI Payback Period
2.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Arlington
$832,892
Lifetime earnings premium ($935,000) minus total education cost ($102,108)
Student Loan Payoff for Ceramic Engineering in Arlington
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Arlington for Ceramic Engineering
Arlington State University
public
$11,254/yr
$45,016 total
University of Arlington
public
$12,320/yr
$49,280 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Arlington Community College
$5,331/yr
Texas Technical College - Arlington
$5,252/yr
Top Employers for Ceramic Engineering in Arlington
Arlington offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Ceramic Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Arlington Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Ceramic Engineering Job Titles
Ceramic Engineering in Nearby Texas Cities
Houston, TX
$86K starting · COL 115
90 colleges
San Antonio, TX
$90K starting · COL 120
58 colleges
Dallas, TX
$78K starting · COL 104
82 colleges
Austin, TX
$80K starting · COL 107
30 colleges
Fort Worth, TX
$76K starting · COL 101
19 colleges
El Paso, TX
$70K starting · COL 93
38 colleges
Corpus Christi, TX
$62K starting · COL 82
22 colleges
Plano, TX
$64K starting · COL 85
9 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Arlington
Petroleum Engineering
$47K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$47K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$77K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering
$47K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$75K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$75K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$73K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$47K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Ceramic Engineering degree outcomes in Arlington, TX: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Ceramic Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Texas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Arlington using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Ceramic Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Ceramic Engineering career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Ceramic Engineering grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Arlington Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Texas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "texas higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Ceramic Engineering Degree in Arlington — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Ceramic Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Arlington.