Analysis
Engineering programs in Michigan cluster around $68,000 in first-year earnings, and Andrews appears positioned right in that range based on peer outcomes—though without program-specific data, it's hard to know how this particular school differentiates itself from competitors like Michigan State ($75,000) or Calvin. The estimated $26,500 debt load is actually slightly higher than Michigan's typical engineering debt of $23,000, though still manageable given the field's earning potential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests graduates from comparable programs could reasonably pay down their loans within a few years, assuming they secure typical engineering positions. That's a workable financial picture for a bachelor's in engineering. However, the estimation caveat matters here: Andrews' small graduate cohort means we're extrapolating from other Michigan engineering programs rather than tracking actual outcomes. If this school's particular strengths—whether in curriculum, industry connections, or career services—differ significantly from peer institutions, the real numbers could vary.
For parents evaluating this investment, the baseline looks solid but unremarkable. You're likely paying slightly more debt for middle-of-the-pack Michigan engineering earnings. Before committing, verify where Andrews graduates actually land their first jobs and whether the school's denominational affiliation (Seventh-day Adventist) affects networking opportunities in your target engineering sector. The math works if the outcomes match the estimates, but you're betting on similarity to peer programs without confirmation.
Where Andrews University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,710 | $68,852* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $15,988 | $75,058* | $81,700 | $22,500* | 0.30 | |
| $38,670 | $68,852* | $78,363 | $23,000* | 0.33 | |
| $40,420 | $67,410* | $76,755 | $27,000* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Andrews University, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.