Analysis
With estimated debt of $26,459 and first-year earnings around $68,852 based on comparable Michigan engineering programs, this bachelor's degree suggests a manageable financial start—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary. That's a workable number for an engineering credential, though it's worth noting these figures come from peer programs across Michigan rather than Siena Heights' actual outcomes due to small graduate cohorts.
The estimated earnings align almost exactly with Michigan's median for engineering bachelor's degrees and track close to the national benchmark of $67,911. However, top programs in the state like Michigan State report outcomes above $75,000, suggesting Siena Heights likely operates in the middle tier. The debt estimate, derived from similar-sized private institutions nationally, runs slightly higher than Michigan's state median of $23,000 but remains well within reasonable bounds for an engineering degree that typically provides strong earning potential.
For parents weighing this program, the key question is whether Siena Heights offers something specific—location, class size, support systems—that justifies choosing it over Michigan's larger public engineering programs with more established track records. The financial profile appears sound based on peer comparisons, but the lack of actual graduate data means you're making this investment without concrete evidence of how *this particular program* performs in the job market.
Where Siena Heights University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,778 | $68,852* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $15,988 | $75,058* | $81,700 | $22,500* | 0.30 | |
| $38,670 | $68,852* | $78,363 | $23,000* | 0.33 | |
| $40,420 | $67,410* | $76,755 | $27,000* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 Siena Heights University, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.