Est. Earnings (1yr)
$68,852
Est. from MI median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,459
Est. from national median (24 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Siena Heights UniversityAdrian$29,778$68,852*—$26,459*—
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$75,058*$81,700$22,500*0.30
Calvin UniversityGrand Rapids$38,670$68,852*$78,363$23,000*0.33
Hope CollegeHolland$40,420$67,410*$76,755$27,000*0.40
National Median—$67,911*—$26,056*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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.