Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) at Grand Valley State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$68,852

Est. from MI median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,832

Est. from national median (18 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Michigan engineering programs, Grand Valley State produces first-year earnings around $68,852—solidly in line with the state median and just above the national benchmark of $67,911. While we don't have specific outcomes for GVSU's engineering graduates, this estimate suggests competitive performance within Michigan's engineering landscape, though trailing Michigan State's stronger showing by about $6,000.

The estimated debt load of $25,832 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary. That's manageable by most standards and tracks closely with both state and national norms for engineering degrees. With a 95% admission rate and moderate SAT requirements, GVSU offers an accessible path into engineering without the financial premium of more selective programs—though that accessibility also means less signal about how this specific cohort performs compared to peers.

The practical reality: if your student wants to study engineering without the pressure cooker environment of Michigan's flagship programs, these estimates suggest GVSU could deliver reasonable value. The debt burden appears sustainable, and the earnings align with what similar programs produce. Just recognize you're working with peer-program projections rather than proven track record data, which matters more when choosing between similarly priced options.

Where Grand Valley State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$68,852*	—	$25,832*	—
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing	$15,988	$75,058*	$81,700	$22,500*	0.30
Calvin UniversityGrand Rapids	$38,670	$68,852*	$78,363	$23,000*	0.33
Hope CollegeHolland	$40,420	$67,410*	$76,755	$27,000*	0.40
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 Grand Valley 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 median of 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.