Median Earnings (1yr)
$79,409
62nd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$26,625
7% above national median

Analysis

University of Dayton's electrical engineering graduates start at $79,409—solidly above the state median of $69,626 and placing them in the top tier of Ohio's engineering programs. While this falls just short of powerhouses like Case Western and Toledo, it outperforms larger state schools like Ohio State and Akron. The debt picture looks manageable: $26,625 is slightly above state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates could theoretically clear their loans in about four months of gross salary.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $87,086 by year four, which is healthy but not spectacular. This gradual climb suggests stable career progression rather than explosive earning potential. For context, at an admission rate of 62% and an average SAT of 1313, Dayton sits in the selective-but-accessible tier—you're paying for quality engineering education without the cutthroat competition of a Case Western.

The main caveat: these figures come from a small sample size (under 30 graduates), so your child's experience could vary more than these numbers suggest. That said, the combination of strong starting salaries, reasonable debt, and Dayton's established engineering reputation makes this a solid choice for Ohio families seeking reliable outcomes without reaching for the highest tier programs. It's fundamentally a pragmatic pick—good value without unnecessary financial risk.

Where University of Dayton Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Dayton graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Dayton$79,409$87,086+10%
Case Western Reserve University$83,227$91,504+10%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$64,226$89,197+39%
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$64,226$89,197+39%
Ohio University-Southern Campus$64,226$89,197+39%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$79,409$87,086$26,6250.34
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$83,227$91,504$23,0740.28
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$80,876$88,001$21,2500.26
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$80,045$85,592$27,0000.34
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$78,872$87,656$22,4110.28
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$77,622$86,825$27,7500.36
National Median$77,710$24,9890.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications 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

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/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

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/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.

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 University of Dayton, approximately 16% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.