Location: Cedar City, UT•In-State Tuition: $6,770•Out-of-State Tuition: $20,586•Admission Rate: 80%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$69,406
Est. from UT median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,083
Est. from national median (212 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Southern Utah University comes with an estimated $24,000 in debt—nearly double what other Utah engineering programs typically require. While peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $69,400, graduates from Utah's flagship and Utah State report similar outcomes with median debt closer to $14,000. That difference matters: it's roughly an extra year of loan payments for comparable earning potential.

The earnings estimate itself looks solid, aligning closely with both state and national benchmarks for mechanical engineering degrees. Similar programs across Utah consistently produce graduates earning between $67,000 and $71,000 in their first year, suggesting SUU's engineering grads should compete effectively in the job market. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 stays well within manageable territory, meaning total borrowing represents just over four months of first-year income.

The central question is whether SUU offers something—smaller class sizes, specific research opportunities, or a preferred location—that justifies borrowing twice the state average. With seven engineering programs in Utah and several reporting strong outcomes at lower debt levels, families should compare what distinguishes this option beyond geography. The fundamentals work, but the debt premium deserves scrutiny.

Where Southern Utah University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Southern Utah University (estimated ±10%)Other mechanical engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern Utah UniversityCedar City$6,770$69,406*—$24,083*—
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$70,999*$79,480$22,400*0.32
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$69,406*$77,504$13,654*0.20
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$67,668*$87,666$10,500*0.16
National Median—$70,744*—$24,755*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical 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

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mechanical Engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fuel Cell Engineers

Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

$102,320/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Automotive Engineers

Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

$102,320/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:

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

$77,070/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Southern Utah University, approximately 24% 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 UT. Actual outcomes may vary.