Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,911
Est. from national median (47 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,459
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

An estimated first-year salary of $67,911 places this program right at the national median for engineering bachelor's degrees—a solid starting point, though not exceptional given Denison's highly selective admissions profile (17% acceptance rate, 1395 average SAT). With estimated debt of $26,459, graduates would be looking at manageable loan payments relative to their earning potential, suggesting a debt-to-earnings ratio that shouldn't cause financial strain in those crucial early career years.

What complicates the picture here is that we're working with estimates drawn from peer programs nationally, not actual outcomes from Denison's engineering graduates. The suppressed data likely reflects a small program size at what is primarily a liberal arts college. Ohio has 16 schools offering engineering degrees, many of them large research universities with established programs and extensive industry connections. Denison's intimate setting may offer advantages in mentoring and undergraduate research opportunities, but you'd want to investigate whether employers in engineering fields recruit actively from a smaller liberal arts program versus the state's engineering powerhouses.

The debt estimate appears reasonable for a private institution, and the earnings benchmark suggests engineering graduates generally find decent-paying work regardless of where they earn their degree. For a student passionate about engineering but also drawn to Denison's liberal arts environment, this could work—but confirm the program's career placement record and employer relationships before committing.

Where Denison 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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Denison UniversityGranville$64,000$67,911*$26,459*
Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham$64,458$109,455*$114,228$14,512*0.13
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont$66,255$92,491*$103,969$22,240*0.24
Brown UniversityProvidence$68,230$86,416*$87,937$14,500*0.17
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$82,956*$104,701$15,000*0.18
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$78,211*$27,000*0.35
National Median$67,911*$26,056*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with 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

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.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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 Denison University, approximately 13% 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.