Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,161
40th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
9% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39
Manageable
Sample Size
104
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University-Eastern delivers mechanical engineering outcomes that punch above their weight within the state while keeping debt remarkably low. At $27,000 in median debt—among the lowest 5% nationally—graduates enter the workforce with far less financial burden than peers at most programs. While first-year earnings of $69,161 land slightly below the national median, they match Ohio's state median exactly and place this program at the 60th percentile statewide, outperforming many larger Ohio engineering schools.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 tells the real story here: graduates owe less than five months of salary, a manageable burden that allows flexibility in career choices and major purchases. Earnings growth to $74,733 by year four is solid if not spectacular, but the low debt load means graduates keep more of what they earn from day one. The robust sample size gives confidence these numbers represent typical outcomes, not outliers.

For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing career prospects, this program delivers genuine value. You're trading the elite earnings seen at Ohio State or Case Western ($79,000+) for substantially lower debt and a credential that still opens doors to well-paying engineering roles. That's a reasonable trade for most families, particularly those without deep pockets for college expenses.

Where Ohio University-Eastern Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio University-Eastern CampusOther mechanical engineering programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Eastern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Eastern Campus graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 40th percentile of all mechanical engineering bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$69,161$74,733$27,0000.39
Ohio State University-Main Campus$79,359$86,755$20,5000.26
University of Toledo$77,011$82,107$17,9000.23
Case Western Reserve University$76,736$82,466$24,8550.32
Ohio Northern University$72,443$75,513$27,0000.37
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$72,412$81,244$25,9980.36
National Median$70,744—$24,7550.35

Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$79,359$20,500
University of Toledo
Toledo
$12,377$77,011$17,900
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
$64,671$76,736$24,855
Ohio Northern University
Ada
$37,800$72,443$27,000
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$72,412$25,998

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 Ohio University-Eastern Campus, approximately 9% 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 104 graduates with reported earnings and 111 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.