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

Analysis

Peer programs in Ohio for mechanical engineering technology bachelor's degrees suggest first-year earnings around $61,835 against estimated debt of $26,875—numbers that align almost perfectly with both state and national medians. This puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.43, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of pre-tax income. That's manageable territory for a technical field, though it's worth noting that comparable programs across Ohio show significant variation, with outcomes ranging from the mid-$50,000s at Cleveland State to over $66,000 at Dayton and Toledo.

The challenge here is that North Central State's small graduate cohorts mean we're relying entirely on estimates from similar programs rather than actual alumni outcomes. What we can say is that mechanical engineering technology credentials generally lead to steady employment in manufacturing, quality control, and technical support roles—Ohio's industrial base provides real opportunities in these areas. The estimated debt load isn't alarming for an engineering-adjacent field, but parents should recognize there's meaningful uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers outcomes closer to the $66,000 upper end or the $56,000 lower end of Ohio's range.

Given the lack of program-specific data, the practical move is connecting directly with North Central State's career services to understand where recent graduates actually landed and at what salaries. For a field this established, those concrete placement details matter more than statewide estimates.

Where North Central State College 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
North Central State CollegeMansfield$4,624$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 North Central State College, approximately 24% 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.