Analysis
Michigan Tech's mechanical engineering program charges a premium but struggles to deliver premium results within Michigan. While graduates earn $74,922 in their first year—placing the program in the 77th percentile nationally—this figure falls to just the 40th percentile among Michigan's 17 mechanical engineering programs. Students are paying more debt ($27,000 vs. the state median of $26,950) to earn $1,400 less than the typical Michigan mechanical engineering graduate.
The national comparison tells a more favorable story, with earnings exceeding the national median by over $4,000 and debt remaining impressively low at the 5th percentile nationally. The 10% earnings growth over four years is solid, and the 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable financial burden. However, Michigan families should recognize they're competing primarily within their state's job market, where programs like University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($82,823) and Michigan State ($80,259) produce notably higher-earning graduates.
For families prioritizing value within Michigan's engineering landscape, this program represents a middle-tier option despite its strong national standing. The low debt load helps offset the earnings gap, but students with stronger academic credentials might find better returns at Michigan's top-tier programs.
Where Michigan Technological University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan Technological 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Technological University | $74,922 | $82,648 | +10% |
| Wayne State University | $74,457 | $94,043 | +26% |
| Kettering University | $79,307 | $91,536 | +15% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $82,823 | $91,187 | +10% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $70,688 | $90,069 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton | $18,392 | $74,922 | $82,648 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $82,823 | $91,187 | $21,750 | 0.26 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $80,259 | $87,105 | $24,000 | 0.30 |
 Kettering UniversityFlint | $46,380 | $79,307 | $91,536 | $28,000 | 0.35 |
 University of Detroit MercyDetroit | $32,300 | $78,552 | — | — | — |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $78,213 | $89,376 | $25,000 | 0.32 |
| 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 Michigan Technological University, approximately 18% 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 344 graduates with reported earnings and 377 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.