Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Akron Main Campus

University of Akron graduates with electrical engineering degrees earn more than the state median right out of the gate—$77,622 versus Ohio's typical $69,626—while keeping debt manageable at $27,750. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates owe about four months' salary, which is notably better than most engineering programs nationally. Among Ohio's 20 electrical engineering programs, Akron lands solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing the state's elite programs by only a few thousand dollars despite having a much broader admissions profile.

The trajectory looks stable, with earnings climbing to $86,825 by year four—a respectable 12% gain that suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers. While Akron doesn't command the premium of Case Western or Cincinnati, the earnings gap isn't dramatic enough to justify significantly higher tuition or debt loads elsewhere. The program delivers competitive starting salaries without saddling students with outsized debt, which matters more than marginal earnings differences when you're just beginning a career.

For families weighing Ohio engineering options, Akron offers solid value: real engineering outcomes at accessible debt levels. The school's 71% admission rate means it's realistically attainable, and the earnings data confirms graduates are landing legitimate engineering jobs, not just any job with an engineering degree.