What is the starting salary for Nuclear Engineering graduates in El Paso?

The estimated starting salary for Nuclear Engineering graduates in El Paso, TX is $46,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in El Paso are 7% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Nuclear Engineering degree worth it in El Paso?

A Nuclear Engineering degree in El Paso has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $838,644 after subtracting education costs. With 38 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $8,886/year, El Paso offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Nuclear Engineering in El Paso?

The average annual public university tuition in El Paso is $8,886, while private universities average $12,800/year. Including room and board ($13,953/year), total 4-year costs range from $91,356 at a public school to $107,012 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in El Paso is $16,714/year.

What jobs can Nuclear Engineering graduates get in El Paso?

Nuclear Engineering graduates in El Paso can pursue careers as Nuclear Engineer, Health Physicist, Reactor Operator. Key skills valued by local employers include Reactor Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Materials, Thermal Hydraulics. The El Paso job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include US Navy, Westinghouse, GE.

How long to pay off student loans for Nuclear Engineering in El Paso?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Nuclear Engineering graduates in El Paso would pay $1,037/month on an estimated $91,356 in loans, with $33,123 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,787/month but save $17,230 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $46,500, monthly payments would represent 27% of gross monthly income.

Nuclear Engineering Degree in El Paso, TX — Salary & ROI 2026

Nuclear Engineering degree analysis for El Paso, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$47K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$110K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.5 yrs

in El Paso

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Nuclear Engineering in El Paso, TX Overview

El Paso is one of Texas's top college towns, with 38 institutions and a student population of 26,186. Public tuition averages $8,886/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Nuclear Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Reactor Physics and Radiation Protection. The adjusted starting salary in El Paso is approximately $46,500, growing to $109,740 by mid-career.

Nuclear Engineering Salary in El Paso (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for El Paso's cost of living index of 93 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,500($-3,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$109,740($-8,260 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$137,640($-10,360 vs national)

Note: National average Nuclear Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $118,000 mid-career, $148,000 senior level.El Paso adjustment factor: 0.93x based on the local cost of living index.

Nuclear Engineering ROI Calculator for El Paso

Estimate your return on investment for a Nuclear Engineering degree using local El Paso tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $8,886 | Private avg: $12,800

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

El Paso avg aid: $16,714/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$91,356

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,950

vs HS diploma in El Paso

ROI Payback Period

6.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in El Paso

$838,644

Lifetime earnings premium ($930,000) minus total education cost ($91,356)

Student Loan Payoff for Nuclear Engineering in El Paso

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$91,356

Monthly Payment$1,037

Total Interest$33,123

% of Monthly Income27%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$91,356

Monthly Payment$1,787

Total Interest$15,893

Interest Savings$17,230

Colleges in El Paso for Nuclear Engineering

University of Texas at El Paso

public

$8,592/yr

$34,368 total

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso

public

$9,180/yr

$36,720 total

Western Technical College

private

$12,800/yr

$51,200 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

El Paso Community College

$2,616/yr

Top Employers for Nuclear Engineering in El Paso

El Paso offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Nuclear Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

US NavyWestinghouseGEDepartment of EnergyNRC

Key El Paso Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Nuclear Engineering Job Titles

Nuclear EngineerHealth PhysicistReactor Operator

Nuclear Engineering in Nearby Texas Cities

Houston, TX

$58K starting · COL 115

90 colleges

San Antonio, TX

$60K starting · COL 120

58 colleges

Dallas, TX

$52K starting · COL 104

82 colleges

Austin, TX

$54K starting · COL 107

30 colleges

Fort Worth, TX

$51K starting · COL 101

19 colleges

Arlington, TX

$47K starting · COL 93.5

14 colleges

Corpus Christi, TX

$41K starting · COL 82

22 colleges

Plano, TX

$43K starting · COL 85

9 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in El Paso

Petroleum Engineering

$47K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$47K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$76K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$74K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$74K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$73K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$47K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$73K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Nuclear Engineering degree outcomes in El Paso, 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 Nuclear 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 El Paso 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 Nuclear 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 — Nuclear 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 Nuclear 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 El Paso 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:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Texas)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Texas programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "texas higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

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.

Nuclear Engineering Degree in El Paso — 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 Nuclear Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in El Paso.

Nuclear Engineering Overview Colleges in El Paso All Majors