Rs 15 lakh fees for engineering degree, but salaries in campus placement makes student have second thoughts

As job placements roll out across campuses, many young graduates are facing tough choices — balancing modest starting salaries against rising education costs, peer comparisons, and the need to relocate for work. A recent case involving an engineering student considering whether to decline a Rs 50,000 job offer sheds light on the pressures shaping early career decisions in today’s competitive job market.

Job Offer from a Reputed Company

The situation came to light through a post shared on X (formerly Twitter). The user explained that his neighbour's son, an engineering student in his final year, received a campus placement offer from a well-regarded company in the engineering sector. The offer reportedly falls in the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. However, the student is hesitant to accept it.

The reasons behind his dilemma are twofold. First, the job requires relocating from Ahmedabad to Pune — a move the student feels would be difficult to manage financially on the offered salary. Second, he believes the compensation is too low compared to what some of his peers are receiving. According to the post, the student feels underwhelmed because others in different domains are securing offers of Rs 1 lakh per month or more.

Financial Pressure and Expectations

Adding to the pressure is the significant investment his family has made in his education — reportedly over Rs 15 lakh. This financial commitment appears to be influencing his perception of what salary he should expect in return, even though the offer is from a company that aligns with his core engineering specialization.

The poster, who appears to be trying to guide the student, suggested that the role offers strong learning potential and could be a valuable stepping stone. He urged the student to consider the opportunity not just from a salary perspective but in terms of long-term career development.

The authenticity of the post could not be independently confirmed by The Economic Times.

Mixed Reactions Online

The tweet quickly gained traction, amassing over 142,000 views and drawing a flurry of responses. Many users found the student's hesitation problematic. Some called it a sign of entitlement, especially in the context of a challenging job market. One user pointed out that many young professionals today seem to lack patience and prioritize high salaries from the outset, often at the expense of gaining experience.

Others, however, showed understanding. Several users noted that educational investments have drastically increased, which naturally raises expectations for returns. Peer comparisons, especially when friends are landing higher-paying roles in different fields like IT or analytics, only add to the pressure.

A few also highlighted that Rs 50,000 per month is a respectable starting salary in core engineering and can be manageable in a city like Pune, where affordable food and housing options exist. One user remarked that early career choices should focus more on skill-building, networking, and future potential rather than immediate financial gains.

This debate underscores a broader trend: today’s graduates often weigh job offers not only on merit and alignment with their education but also against rising living costs, mounting student debt, and peer achievements. While some view the ₹50K offer as an opportunity worth grabbing, others see it as insufficient compensation for years of academic effort and financial investment.