Nuclear Engineering Degree in Topeka, KS — Salary & ROI 2026
Nuclear Engineering degree analysis for Topeka, KS. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$42K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$99K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.3 yrs
in Topeka
Cost of Living
84
index (100 = avg)
Nuclear Engineering in Topeka, KS Overview
Topeka, Kansas (pop. 126,587) has 14 colleges offering Nuclear Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 84 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $1,052/month. Nuclear Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Reactor Physics and Radiation Protection. The adjusted starting salary in Topeka is approximately $42,000, growing to $99,120 by mid-career.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
14
Public Tuition
$8,640/yr
Private Tuition
$44,161/yr
Room & Board
$11,239/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,855/yr
Unemployment
3.4%
Graduation Rate
75%
Nuclear Engineering Salary in Topeka (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Topeka's cost of living index of 84 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Nuclear Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $118,000 mid-career, $148,000 senior level.Topeka adjustment factor: 0.84x based on the local cost of living index.
Nuclear Engineering ROI Calculator for Topeka
Estimate your return on investment for a Nuclear Engineering degree using local Topeka tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,640 | Private avg: $44,161
Topeka avg aid: $13,855/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$79,516
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$12,600
vs HS diploma in Topeka
ROI Payback Period
6.3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Topeka
$760,484
Lifetime earnings premium ($840,000) minus total education cost ($79,516)
Student Loan Payoff for Nuclear Engineering in Topeka
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Topeka for Nuclear Engineering
Washburn University
public
$8,640/yr
$34,560 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Washburn Institute of Technology
$3,564/yr
Top Employers for Nuclear Engineering in Topeka
Topeka offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Nuclear Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Topeka Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Nuclear Engineering Job Titles
Nuclear Engineering in Nearby Kansas Cities
Wichita, KS
$52K starting · COL 104
20 colleges
Overland Park, KS
$52K starting · COL 103
13 colleges
Kansas City, KS
$41K starting · COL 82.5
6 colleges
Olathe, KS
$48K starting · COL 96.8
6 colleges
Lawrence, KS
$54K starting · COL 108
5 colleges
Shawnee, KS
$43K starting · COL 86.5
3 colleges
Lenexa, KS
$48K starting · COL 96.2
3 colleges
Manhattan, KS
$48K starting · COL 95
6 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Topeka
Petroleum Engineering
$42K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$42K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$69K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$67K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$67K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$66K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$42K starting · 3 yr ROI
Materials Science & Engineering
$42K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering Degree in Topeka — 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 Topeka.