Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University

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.