Analysis
Engineering programs typically launch graduates into strong earning potential, and comparable programs suggest Baldwin Wallace follows this pattern—with estimated first-year earnings around $68,000 against roughly $26,500 in debt. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe less than five months of their first year's salary, a manageable starting position for an engineering career where compensation typically grows substantially after the initial years.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With both earnings and debt figures estimated from peer institutions rather than Baldwin Wallace's actual outcomes, parents are making decisions with limited visibility into this specific program's track record. The national benchmarks suggest engineering bachelor's degrees generally produce solid returns, and Baldwin Wallace's estimated figures align with those medians. But without knowing whether this smaller program places graduates as effectively as larger Ohio engineering schools, or whether its industry connections match the earning potential suggested by national averages, you're relying on assumptions about similarity.
For families confident in their student's engineering aptitude and committed to the field, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. But given the data gaps, it's worth comparing Baldwin Wallace's program size, faculty credentials, and employer partnerships against Ohio schools with transparent outcomes before committing.
Where Baldwin Wallace University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,938 | $67,911* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $64,458 | $109,455* | $114,228 | $14,512* | 0.13 | |
| $66,255 | $92,491* | $103,969 | $22,240* | 0.24 | |
| $68,230 | $86,416* | $87,937 | $14,500* | 0.17 | |
| $15,247 | $82,956* | $104,701 | $15,000* | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Baldwin Wallace University, approximately 28% 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 national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.