Analysis
Marquette's mechanical engineering program delivers solid starting salaries at a reasonable debt load—exactly what anxious parents should hope to see. Graduates earn $73,049 in their first year, placing them above both the national median ($70,744) and most Wisconsin programs except UW-Madison. Just as importantly, they leave with $26,602 in debt, meaning they'll owe just 36 cents for every dollar earned—a manageable ratio that allows for comfortable loan repayment while building savings.
The program holds its own against Wisconsin's flagship university while costing roughly the same in student debt. Among the state's seven mechanical engineering programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing only UW-Madison and UW-Stout. Four years out, graduates see steady growth to $78,328, reflecting the typical progression in engineering careers. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these figures are reliable without being based on just a handful of data points.
For families weighing private versus public options in Wisconsin, Marquette offers competitive outcomes without the debt premium you'd expect from a private institution. This program represents straightforward value: above-average earnings, below-average debt, and entry into a stable profession with clear advancement opportunities.
Where Marquette University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Marquette University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University | $73,049 | $78,328 | +7% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $74,611 | $86,231 | +16% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $70,474 | $77,520 | +10% |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $71,612 | $77,244 | +8% |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | $68,976 | $77,208 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Marquette UniversityMilwaukee | $48,700 | $73,049 | $78,328 | $26,602 | 0.36 |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $74,611 | $86,231 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
 University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie | $10,142 | $73,260 | — | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville | $8,315 | $71,612 | $77,244 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $70,474 | $77,520 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee | $48,421 | $68,976 | $77,208 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 Marquette University, approximately 19% 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 82 graduates with reported earnings and 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.