Analysis
Is a bachelor's in engineering-related fields worth $25,000 in debt when first-year earnings hover around $69,000? Based on comparable programs nationally, the answer leans positive. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests graduates would dedicate roughly a third of their first year's salary to student loans—manageable compared to many bachelor's programs. With only two schools offering this credential in Minnesota and limited reported data statewide, Bemidji State operates in a relatively sparse competitive landscape for this particular field.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because Bemidji State's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish outcomes, we're relying on national medians from peer programs to estimate both earnings and debt. That means we don't know if this specific program performs better or worse than typical engineering-related degrees elsewhere. The figures suggest reasonable value, but they can't tell you whether Bemidji State's particular approach—its curriculum, industry connections, or faculty—delivers on that promise.
For parents weighing this program, the estimated numbers point to solid return on investment, but you'll need to dig deeper into what makes Bemidji State's engineering-related program distinct and whether its graduates actually land jobs that justify the credential. Ask the school directly about placement rates and starting salaries for recent graduates before committing.
Where Bemidji State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,164 | $68,919* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $62,484 | $100,788* | $141,630 | —* | — | |
| $60,952 | $79,755* | $94,324 | $26,975* | 0.34 | |
| $15,988 | $76,563* | $82,682 | $23,756* | 0.31 | |
| — | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,051 | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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 Bemidji State University, approximately 26% 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 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.