Median Earnings (1yr)
$70,276
15th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

In Ohio's electrical engineering landscape, first-year earnings of $70,276 place Cedarville solidly in the middle of the pack—better than half of similar programs in the state but trailing the top tier by $8,000-$13,000. Based on debt patterns at comparable private institutions, graduates likely leave with around $26,000 in loans, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. That's roughly four months of gross income, which means the financial fundamentals work even if the earning power isn't exceptional.

The challenge lies in understanding what you're actually getting. While Cedarville's outcomes match the Ohio median almost exactly, they lag the $78,000 national median by a meaningful margin. Case Western, Toledo, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Ohio State all produce notably higher first-year earnings. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker—Cedarville's Christian liberal arts environment and 63% admission rate attract students seeking something different than large research universities—but parents should recognize they're not paying for peak earning potential in this field.

The core question is whether Cedarville's distinctive campus culture justifies accepting middle-tier outcomes in a high-demand major. The debt load appears reasonable, but since these figures are derived from peer institutions rather than Cedarville's actual graduates, confirm current financial aid packages and consider whether your student could access stronger-earning programs within Ohio's public system.

Where Cedarville University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Cedarville University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Cedarville UniversityCedarville$36,078$70,276—$26,000*—
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$83,227$91,504$23,074*0.28
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$80,876$88,001$21,250*0.26
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$80,045$85,592$27,000*0.34
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$79,409$87,086$26,625*0.34
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$78,872$87,656$22,411*0.28
National Median—$77,710—$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 Cedarville University, approximately 15% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.