Est. Earnings (1yr)
$62,503
Est. from national median (59 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,125
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

Milwaukee School of Engineering's engineering technology program shows a strong trajectory, with earnings climbing from an estimated $62,503 in the first year to a reported $91,368 by year four. That near-50% jump suggests graduates gain valuable specialized skills that command increasing market value. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, debt of around $27,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43β€”meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans with less than half their first-year salary, which represents a manageable financial position for a technical field.

The real story here is the year-four earnings figure, which is actual reported data for MSOE graduates. At over $91,000, this substantially exceeds what peer programs typically produce and indicates strong employer demand for this school's graduates in the Milwaukee industrial corridor. The estimated first-year figure of $62,500 aligns with national norms, but the documented mid-career bump suggests MSOE's industry connections and hands-on curriculum translate to faster advancement than you'd see at many competing programs.

For families, this looks like solid preparation for Wisconsin's manufacturing and engineering sectors. The estimated debt burden is reasonable relative to earning potential, and the verified mid-career data provides concrete evidence that graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages. Just recognize that individual outcomes will varyβ€”the first-year figure is based on national patterns, not tracked MSOE graduates.

Where Milwaukee School of Engineering Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Milwaukee School of Engineeringβ€”$91,368β€”
Rochester Institute of Technology$69,261$82,078+19%
LeTourneau University$52,625$81,997+56%
Eastern Michigan University$49,799$80,179+61%
Indiana University-Indianapolis$66,816$80,150+20%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee$48,421$62,503*$91,368$27,125*β€”
California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo$7,672$98,661*β€”$25,359*0.26
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach$11,665$93,433*β€”β€”*β€”
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$93,433*β€”β€”*β€”
Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain$12,460$73,788*$77,985$31,000*0.42
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$72,334*$76,047$32,000*0.44
National Medianβ€”$62,503*β€”$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 Milwaukee School of Engineering, approximately 23% 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 national median of 59 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.