Vaughn College is doing more than just helping students earn degrees. The College is helping these students achieve something that few other institutions can, which is to move them from the lowest income brackets to the very top. This is known as “upward mobility.” Vaughn is rewriting the narrative around higher education by helping students build wealth and security that can span generations.
A Leader in Economic Transformation
At a recent lecture at Yale University, Harvard professor and economist Raj Chetty—a leading authority on socioeconomic inequality—called attention to the critical issue of declining social mobility in the United States. In a discussion that analyzed the factors driving this decline, Chetty spotlighted Vaughn College as a model for reversing this downward trend. Citing data from a study conducted by the Equality of Opportunity Project which ranked Vaughn as number one in upward mobility nationwide, Chetty recognized the College for its remarkable impact in lifting students from among bottom income earners to the top. Check out the video where Vaughn is featured in his lecture.
In a November 2024 report by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Academia in New York City: Shaping the Future of NYC’s Economy, Vaughn College is ranked number one in economic mobility in New York City—highlighting its effectiveness at moving students from the bottom 20 percent to the top 1 percent for earning income.
The College’s consistent focus on career-aligned education, supplemented by its extensive partnerships with industry leaders earned Vaughn another notable recognition. In April 2025, Vaughn received a prestigious classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education by being named as an “Opportunity College and University” under the newly introduced “Student Access and Earnings Classification.” This classification recognizes institutions that serve under-resourced students and deliver strong post-graduation outcomes comparable to—or exceeding those—of their peers in the region.
Career-Focused Programs That Pay Off
One way Vaughn has achieved and maintains this impressive record is by offering degree programs that are designed to directly connect students to in-demand careers. Recently, the College added forward-looking degrees in computer science and computer engineering with focuses on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity—rapidly growing fields that lead to high-paying, stable careers.
It’s not just about getting a job—Vaughn students land careers that match their passions and potential. Ninety-five percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education within one year, with 78 percent working in their field of study.* Alumni go on to join organizations like NASA, SpaceX, the Federal Aviation Administration, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Boeing and more.
Beyond Academics: A Community That Supports
Vaughn offers more than academic excellence. It’s a close-knit, supportive community where students are known by name and mentored by faculty. With a 14-1 student-faculty ratio, personalized guidance is a cornerstone of the Vaughn experience. More than 93 percent of students receive some form of financial aid, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to opportunity. And in a city like New York—filled with culture, commerce and career-building connections—students are immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic environments.
The Future Is Vaughn
In an era when college outcomes matter more than ever, Vaughn College has proven that an education rooted in purpose and possibility can change lives. By equipping students not just with degrees but with transformative career pathways, Vaughn empowers the next generation to soar. Apply today!
*Outcomes include data within one year of graduation for graduates who reported via survey. There were a total of 361 reported graduates in 2023. 239 reported an outcome for a 66% response rate. The 2023 graduate class includes September 2022, December 2022 and May 2023 graduates.
You do not have to be a rocket scientist—although that is a cool career in engineering—to know that technology is ever-evolving at lighting speed. From manufacturing and medicine to artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy—among many others in between—the rapid pace of technological innovation has created a huge demand for engineers in every industry. And did we mention the salaries are well above the national average?
The proof is in the numbers
Today, it is all about filling the skills gap in many engineering fields—especially AI, robotics, cybersecurity and aerospace. According to employment projections data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of engineering is estimated to grow by 8.6 percent by 2033—which is faster than average for every other occupation within the next eight years. If those projections do not grasp your attention, maybe the salaries will. The reported median annual wage for the engineering sector is $91,420, compared to $48,060 which is the median annual wage for other occupations. That is an increase of more than $43,000 per year!
Best engineering degrees to meet future demand
If engineering is your passion, Vaughn offers industry-focused engineering programs tailored to high-demand industries. Here are a few of our engineering degrees and the careers they will prepare you for.
This course of study trains students to use their skills and knowledge to solve specific problems—and ultimately—to design systems according to the defined criteria for performing the functions as set forth by the project objectives.
Degree focus: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Demand: Every industry depends on the world’s cyberinfrastructure to operate safely and securely. Over the past decade, cyberattacks have escalated throughout the world, which has created a great demand for computer engineers who have specialized training in cybersecurity.
Career opportunities:
Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Annual NY median salary: $171,000*
- Top skills: Communication, leadership, management, project management and operations
Data Warehouse Specialist
- Annual NY median salary: $153,000*
- Top skills: Communication, management, data management, problem solving and data analysis
Computer Hardware Engineer
- Annual NY median salary: $135,000*
- Top skills: Electrical engineering, communication, printed circuit board, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), computer engineering
Vaughn is the only institution in the Northeast that offers a mechatronic engineering degree program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. This not only ensures a recognized standard of quality in engineering education but establishes the College as a premier choice for students in the region. Read more about it in our blog: “Your Future in Mechatronic Engineering Starts at Vaughn College.”
Degree focus: Combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to expose students to the different areas of engineering while preparing them for this fast-paced and ever-changing industry.
Demand: The booming automation and robotics industry is fueling the high demand for engineers to design, program and maintain automated systems, thus creating excellent career opportunities across multiple industries.
Career opportunities:
Mechatronics/Robotics Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $119,000*
- Top skills: Mechatronics, automation, robotics, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering
Mechanical Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $106,000*
- Top skills: Mechanical engineering, communication, HVAC, project management and auto CAD
Manufacturing Engineer
- Annual NY median salary: $100,000*
- Top skills: Communication, manufacturing processes, problem solving and AutoCAD
Vaughn’s mechanical engineering degree program provides students with a solid foundation in engineering analysis and design. Students will have hands-on opportunities to learn analytical, computational and experimental methods of mechanical engineering, which are in high demand in the industry today.
Degree focus: This degree focuses on preparing well-qualified graduates for positions in a variety of engineering industries. Students will study and train in mechanical computer-aided engineering (such as computer-aided 3D interactive application), Patran, Nastran, engineering analysis utilizing MATLAB and finite element analysis.
Demand: Employment for mechanical engineers is expected to increase by 11 percent over the next eight years, which translates into openings for approximately 19,800 jobs on an annual basis. This is a significant and positive outlook for mechanical engineers, especially in states like New York and industries that are experiencing high employment levels and growth.
Career opportunities:
Quality Control Systems Managers
- Annual NY median salary: $130,000*
- Top skills: Management, quality assurance, auditing, communication and leadership
Aerospace Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $122,000*
- Top skills: Communication, management, operations, planning and flight testing
This specialized degree program was developed to provide students with proficiency in sophisticated aviation electronics systems found on-board commercial, corporate and private aircraft.
Degree focus: The program places an emphasis on science and technology that can be applied to today’s fleet of modern aircraft.
Demand: The increase in air travel continues to fuel the demand for these skilled professionals as the sector continues to expand.
Career opportunities:
Electrical Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $114,000*
- Top skills: Electrical engineering, communication, AutoCAD, project management, electrical systems
Avionics Technicians
- Annual NY median salary: $97,000*
- Top skills: Avionics troubleshooting (problem solving test equipment), electrical wiring, hand tools
Electrical Installers and Repairers of Transportation Equipment
- Annual NY median salary: $85,000*
- Top skills: Troubleshooting (problem solving), electronics soldering, oscilloscope, test equipment
If you’re looking for hands-on learning, cutting-edge labs and industry connections in the heart of world-class resources and opportunities, Vaughn College and New York City offer an exceptional environment for ambitious engineering students to launch futureproof careers. Want to learn more? Check out Vaughn’s engineering and technology, management and aviation degree programs. Apply today!
*Career and salary information based on Lightcast Data, jobs based within a 100-mile radius of Queens, NY
Today’s college students know that choosing a career field and college that will give them the training they need to enter the workforce is a smart choice. That’s why we are excited to share the benefits of a Vaughn College education. You will learn why students—and parents—are discovering how the value of a Vaughn degree leads to futureproof career opportunities in today’s most sought-after and in-demand industries.
Benefits that make a difference
Earning a degree is so much more than attending class and taking exams. As most industries now require more specialized knowledge and skills, both students and parents are choosing Vaughn for these relevant benefits. First, check out how the numbers are stacked in favor of Vaughn students.
The proof is in the numbers
High employment outcomes—Ninety-five percent (95%) of Vaughn graduates—78% in their field—are employed or continue their education within one year.* - Strong return on investment—Ranked in the top four percent (4%) of colleges with the highest return on investment for students from under-resourced communities.**
- Small class sizes—Vaughn’s 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for more individualized attention from faculty, most of whom also work in the fields they teach.
- Vaughn College Named an Opportunity College and University by the New National Carnegie Classifications—This means that Vaughn can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster opportunities for student success and are reflective of the communities they serve. Read the full report and Carnegie press release.
- Top-ranked in upward and social mobility—Vaughn was ranked number one in upward mobility nationwide in a study conducted by The Equality of Opportunity Project as reported by The New York Times and is also recognized as among the “Best Colleges for Social Mobility” by U.S. News & World Report.
- Financial support—More than ninety-three percent (93%) of Vaughn students receive financial aid, including grants and scholarships that do not require repayment.
- The Vaughn Guarantee—If eligible students are not employed in their field one year after graduating, and they’re still conducting an active job search, Vaughn will provide tuition reimbursement for one year of the graduate’s federal Direct undergraduate student loan payments.***
What sets Vaughn College apart from other schools
Vaughn College has many qualities that other similar colleges simply don’t have.
- The only ABET-approved mechatronic engineering program in the
Northeast—Vaughn is the only institution in the Northeast that has earned accreditation for its mechatronic engineering degree program by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. This accreditation not only ensures a recognized standard of quality in engineering education but establishes the College as a distinctive choice for students in the region.
- Hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs and facilities—Vaughn’s state-of-the-art flight, air traffic control and engineering labs allow students to apply their skills in practical settings.
- Wide selection of clubs and teams—Students can experience the excitement and real-world skills of designing, building and competing through the uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, mars rover and maintenance teams and joining the many student chapters of professional organizations such as the National Society of Leadership and Success, American Association of Airport Executives, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and many more.
- Attend professional conferences/networking events courtesy of Vaughn’s Student Experience Fund—The College provides financial support for students to attend professional conferences, networking events and other job opportunity events through its Student Experience Fund. It is at these events where students meet industry leaders, make vital connections for future careers, and even land internships and jobs.
- Industry partnerships—Vaughn has established corporate partnerships with a variety of airlines and engineering firms to enhance internship, employment and learning opportunities for students and graduates.
- Location, location, location—Vaughn is located just minutes from Manhattan in Queens, New York, adjacent to LaGuardia Airport. A prime location for an aviation and aeronautics institution.
- 90+ year history has earned Vaughn a reputation of excellence in the industries it serves—Founded in 1932 as the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics specializing in aircraft maintenance, the College has transformed into the thriving institution it is today, always maintaining the same vision: To change the world on student at a time with a transformative education that leads to a lifetime of opportunity.
Are you looking for a college that offers futureproof career opportunities, innovation and support? Vaughn College checks off all the boxes—and then some! Our cutting-edge degree programs in engineering and technology, management and aviation can give you the tools you need to thrive in today’s most competitive industries. Apply today!
*Outcomes include data within one year of graduation for graduates who reported via survey. There was a total of 361 reported graduates in 2023. 239 reported an outcome for a 66% response rate. The 2023 graduate class includes September 2022, December 2022 and May 2023 graduates.
**Data from a study completed by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, “The Colleges Where Low-Income Students Get the Highest ROI”
***For eligible full-time students. Review The Vaughn Guarantee for details.
Dr. Paul LaVergne, vice president of academic affairs, extended a warm welcome to all attendees as he introduced the senior administrators, department chairs and student speaker, Mr. Matthan Mbanefo, a distinguished recipient of a bachelor of science degree in mechatronic engineering. Mbanefo was honored with the prestigious Board of Trustees Award in recognition of his exceptional academic accomplishments and dedicated service to the institution. Mbanefo and fellow graduate Aasem Ghoneim have been selected to join GE Aerospace’s prestigious Edison engineering program after graduation.
President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo highlighted the College’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. She recognized the faculty, board of trustees and industry partners for their contributions to Vaughn’s vision to change the world one student at a time with a transformative education that leads to a lifetime of opportunity. “You have been challenged and tested – and have prevailed. This event marks the beginning of a new phase in your lives. I encourage you to take the time today to appreciate this incredible milestone, and to celebrate your triumph!” said DeVivo.
