Mechanical Engineering at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati's mechanical engineering program delivers exactly what families should expect from a solid state flagship: consistent earnings that exceed both state and national medians without crushing debt. Starting at $72,412 and climbing to $81,244 by year four, graduates earn more than the typical Ohio mechanical engineer ($69,161) while managing debt below average at $25,998—giving them a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 23 mechanical engineering schools, placing it firmly in the upper tier behind powerhouses like Ohio State and Toledo but ahead of most alternatives. More importantly, 12% earnings growth over four years suggests these graduates are gaining traction in their careers rather than plateauing early. The 88% admission rate means this outcome is accessible to a wide range of students, not just those competing for ultra-selective programs.

For an anxious parent, the calculation here is straightforward: your child would graduate with manageable debt and land in the middle of Cincinnati's robust manufacturing and engineering economy with strong earning potential. This isn't the flashiest option in Ohio, but it's a fiscally responsible path into a high-demand field that pays well from day one.