Analysis
In Ohio, engineering-related bachelor's programs show first-year earnings clustering in the low-to-mid $60,000s, and comparable programs suggest Clark State's outcomes likely fall within this range. The estimated $66,000 starting salary sits right at the state median, though Miami University's grads earn roughly $9,000 more out of the gate. With estimated debt around $25,200—slightly below the state median—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests manageable repayment, roughly equivalent to one semester's gross pay.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because Clark State's actual graduate outcomes aren't published (due to small cohort sizes), these projections draw from peer programs across Ohio. For a technical field where school reputation and specific program focus matter significantly, that's a meaningful gap in information. The 36% Pell rate indicates Clark State serves students who may have fewer financial safety nets, making it especially important to understand whether this particular program delivers on the salary projections.
If your child is considering this path, contact Clark State directly to ask about recent graduate employment outcomes, even if informally tracked. Engineering-related fields can vary widely—from technical sales to manufacturing engineering—so understanding which industries this program actually feeds into matters more than statewide averages. The debt load appears reasonable, but only if those estimated earnings materialize.
Where Clark State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,200 | $65,996* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $17,809 | $74,624* | — | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $14,081 | $65,996* | — | $26,404* | 0.40 | |
| $13,570 | $62,458* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Clark State College, approximately 36% 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 OH. Actual outcomes may vary.