Est. Earnings (1yr)
$61,835
Est. from OH median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,875
Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Analysis

Similar mechanical engineering technology programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $62,000 against debt near $27,000—a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio that aligns almost exactly with national benchmarks. This mirrors what actual reporting shows: Ohio programs in this field cluster tightly, with only about $10,000 separating the highest earners at Dayton and Toledo from the lowest at Cleveland State. Kent State sits squarely in the middle of this pack.

The challenge here is the data suppression itself. When Kent State's graduate sample is too small to publish, it signals either a tiny cohort or low completion rates—both worth investigating before committing. The estimated debt load represents roughly five months of expected earnings, which is reasonable for an engineering-adjacent field, but you're relying on projections from peer programs rather than this specific program's track record.

For families comparing options, the University of Akron reports identical median earnings to Kent State's estimate but has actual data to back it up. If you're set on Kent State for other reasons—location, campus fit, cost structure—these estimates suggest the financial outcome should be workable. But given the lack of concrete data, ask Kent State directly about graduation rates and job placement specifically for this program before making your deposit.

Where Kent State University at Kent Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Kent State University at KentKent$12,846$61,835*—$26,875*—
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$66,055*$73,272$27,000*0.41
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$66,034*$75,973$26,875*0.41
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$61,835*$67,476$24,749*0.40
Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown$10,791$56,656*$78,374$35,947*0.63
Cleveland State UniversityCleveland$12,613$56,332*——*—
National Median—$62,503*—$27,000*0.43
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 Kent State University at Kent, approximately 27% 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 5 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.