Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,161
40th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$27,000
9% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$69,161$74,733+8%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$79,359$86,755+9%
University of Mount Union$71,097$83,778+18%
University of Dayton$71,911$83,262+16%
Case Western Reserve University$76,736$82,466+7%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$69,161$74,733$27,0000.39
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$79,359$86,755$20,5000.26
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$77,011$82,107$17,9000.23
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$76,736$82,466$24,8550.32
Ohio Northern UniversityAda$37,800$72,443$75,513$27,0000.37
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$72,412$81,244$25,9980.36
National Median$70,744$24,7550.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mechanical Engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fuel Cell Engineers

Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Automotive Engineers

Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

$77,070/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.