21 Lesser-Known Schools That Quietly Produce Top Earners

5. Stevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, NJ

Stevens Institute of Technology, tucked away in Hoboken, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, is a rising star in the world of STEM and business education. Its proximity to New York City gives students unrivaled access to internships and job opportunities in finance, consulting, software engineering, and biotechnology. But what really elevates Stevens is its intense focus on experiential learning. Through co-op programs, industry-sponsored projects, and entrepreneurship initiatives, students graduate with real-world experience and a strong professional network. The school is particularly well-regarded for its programs in computer science, engineering, and quantitative finance—areas where grads frequently land jobs at places like Goldman Sachs, IBM, and Google. Stevens also invests heavily in innovation and research, which allows students to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking projects from early in their academic careers. This combination of location, curriculum, and professional focus results in high placement rates and strong starting salaries, making Stevens a hidden gem for students looking for serious tech-and-business ROI. Median early-career salary: $86,000.