Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Owens Community College

Owens Community College graduates are earning $61,000 within a year of completing this two-year program—that's $13,000 more than the typical Ohio graduate in mechanical engineering technology and puts this program in the 95th percentile nationally. With just $12,000 in median debt, students here are borrowing 20 cents for every dollar they earn in their first year, an exceptional ratio that means most graduates could feasibly pay off their loans within months of starting work. Even among Ohio's 28 programs, Owens ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming larger schools like University of Akron and Sinclair Community College.

The earnings trajectory reinforces this program's strength: graduates see a 12% increase to $68,000 by year four, indicating solid career progression in Ohio's manufacturing sector. The moderate sample size suggests stable outcomes rather than a few outliers driving the numbers.

For families weighing community college options in northwest Ohio, this program delivers immediate return on a minimal investment. The combination of above-average earnings, manageable debt, and strong placement makes it one of the state's best values for students seeking hands-on technical careers without the cost of a bachelor's degree.