Analysis
Saint Louis University's mechanical engineering graduates start at $74,209—roughly $2,300 above the national median and just above the state median. Among Missouri's seven engineering programs, this sits squarely in the middle, trailing Missouri S&T by about $1,600 but outperforming Mizzou-St. Louis by nearly $5,000. The debt load of $25,665 is modest and close to national norms, resulting in a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. That means graduates earn roughly $3 for every dollar borrowed, which makes the program financially manageable from day one.
The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. That said, the figures align sensibly with SLU's overall profile as a solid regional university with an 81% admission rate and decent academic standards. For families choosing between Missouri schools, this program offers competitive outcomes without the stratospheric selectivity of WashU or the STEM specialization of Missouri S&T.
If your child is targeting mechanical engineering and prefers an urban setting with reasonable debt, SLU delivers practical value. Just understand you're paying for middle-of-the-pack Missouri outcomes, not elite national placement.
Where Saint Louis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Louis University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis | $53,244 | $74,209 | — | $25,665 | 0.35 |
 Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla | $14,278 | $75,855 | $83,593 | $22,786 | 0.30 |
 Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis | $62,982 | $72,057 | $85,827 | $19,000 | 0.26 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $71,800 | $83,864 | $22,250 | 0.31 |
 University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City | $11,988 | $71,072 | $84,088 | $26,068 | 0.37 |
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $69,638 | $77,327 | $32,274 | 0.46 |
| 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 Saint Louis University, approximately 15% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.