Mechanical Engineering at Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Ohio University-Chillicothe delivers something rare for a regional campus: mechanical engineering graduates who outperform the state median while carrying exceptionally low debt. At $27,000, graduates owe roughly $2,000 more than the national median but rank in just the 5th percentile for debt burden—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more loans. With first-year earnings of $69,161 matching Ohio's state median and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, graduates can realistically pay off loans within a year or two of focused repayment.

The earnings trajectory shows steady, if unspectacular, growth to $74,733 by year four—an 8% increase that keeps pace with inflation. While this trails flagship programs like Ohio State ($79,359) by about $5,000 annually, the lower debt burden means Chillicothe graduates likely achieve positive net worth faster. Ranking at the 60th percentile among Ohio's 23 mechanical engineering programs suggests this is a solidly middle-performing option within the state, punching above its weight given the campus's regional focus.

For families prioritizing financial safety over prestige, this program makes the math work. The combination of low debt and reliable employment outcomes in a high-demand field creates a straightforward path to financial stability, even if graduates won't lead the earnings pack in Ohio's engineering sector.