Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
Saginaw Valley State's mechanical engineering program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 87th percentile nationally for earnings—far better than you'd expect from a school with a 73% admission rate and modest SAT scores. First-year engineers earn $76,823, surpassing the national median by over $6,000. Within Michigan, the program sits comfortably at the 60th percentile, landing just above the state median and not far behind flagship schools like Michigan State ($80,259).
The debt picture strengthens the value case considerably. At $26,679, graduates carry slightly less than the state median and rank in the 29th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 71% of programs leave students with more debt. The 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of salary, which is highly manageable for an engineering degree. Earnings grow modestly to $81,775 by year four, showing solid career progression without dramatic jumps.
For families balancing cost and outcomes, this represents a straightforward win. You're getting top-quartile national earnings without the premium price tag or ultra-competitive admissions of elite engineering schools. The program delivers Michigan-typical engineering salaries with below-average debt—exactly the combination that makes a degree pay off quickly.
Where Saginaw Valley State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saginaw Valley State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saginaw Valley State University | $76,823 | $81,775 | +6% |
| Wayne State University | $74,457 | $94,043 | +26% |
| Kettering University | $79,307 | $91,536 | +15% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $82,823 | $91,187 | +10% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $70,688 | $90,069 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center | $12,240 | $76,823 | $81,775 | $26,679 | 0.35 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $82,823 | $91,187 | $21,750 | 0.26 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $80,259 | $87,105 | $24,000 | 0.30 |
 Kettering UniversityFlint | $46,380 | $79,307 | $91,536 | $28,000 | 0.35 |
 University of Detroit MercyDetroit | $32,300 | $78,552 | — | — | — |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $78,213 | $89,376 | $25,000 | 0.32 |
| 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
Explore Related Programs
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 Saginaw Valley State University, approximately 32% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 68 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.