Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Dayton
Bachelor's Degree
udayton.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,600 | $79,409 | $87,086 | $26,625 | 0.34 | |
| $64,671 | $83,227 | $91,504 | $23,074 | 0.28 | |
| $12,377 | $80,876 | $88,001 | $21,250 | 0.26 | |
| $13,570 | $80,045 | $85,592 | $27,000 | 0.34 | |
| $12,859 | $78,872 | $87,656 | $22,411 | 0.28 | |
| $12,799 | $77,622 | $86,825 | $27,750 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems 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 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.