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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $69,161 | $74,733 | $27,000 | 0.39 | |
| $12,859 | $79,359 | $86,755 | $20,500 | 0.26 | |
| $12,377 | $77,011 | $82,107 | $17,900 | 0.23 | |
| $64,671 | $76,736 | $82,466 | $24,855 | 0.32 | |
| $37,800 | $72,443 | $75,513 | $27,000 | 0.37 | |
| $13,570 | $72,412 | $81,244 | $25,998 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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.