Analysis
Engineering graduates from Spring Hill College face a debt load that appears manageable relative to their expected earnings. Based on comparable engineering programs nationally, first-year earnings around $68,000 against an estimated $26,500 in debt produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning graduates would owe roughly five months' salary. That's a reasonable starting point for an engineering career, though parents should recognize these figures come from peer institutions rather than Spring Hill's actual graduate outcomes.
The challenge here is context. Spring Hill is a small liberal arts college in Mobile, and engineering programs at schools like this can vary dramatically in their industry connections and placement success. National benchmarks suggest engineering bachelor's graduates typically earn $68,000 in their first year, but outcomes at individual schools range from well below to well above that figure. Without Spring Hill's actual data, it's impossible to know whether their program performs at, above, or below the national norm.
For a family considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest engineering remains a relatively safe bet financially—the field's strong earnings potential provides cushion even if outcomes fall somewhat short of national medians. But given the absence of reported data, prospective students should dig into Spring Hill's engineering program specifics: job placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed. The 33% Pell grant rate indicates economic diversity on campus, which is positive, but direct evidence of this particular program's success would make for a much more confident decision.
Where Spring Hill College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,270 | $67,911* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $64,458 | $109,455* | $114,228 | $14,512* | 0.13 | |
| $66,255 | $92,491* | $103,969 | $22,240* | 0.24 | |
| $68,230 | $86,416* | $87,937 | $14,500* | 0.17 | |
| $15,247 | $82,956* | $104,701 | $15,000* | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Spring Hill College, approximately 33% 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 national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.