Median Earnings (1yr)
$79,409
62nd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$26,625
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.34
Manageable
Sample Size
27
Limited data

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

University of DaytonOther electrical, electronics and communications engineering programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Dayton graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Dayton graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Dayton$79,409$87,086$26,6250.34
Case Western Reserve University$83,227$91,504$23,0740.28
University of Toledo$80,876$88,001$21,2500.26
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$80,045$85,592$27,0000.34
Ohio State University-Main Campus$78,872$87,656$22,4110.28
University of Akron Main Campus$77,622$86,825$27,7500.36
National Median$77,710—$24,9890.32

Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
$64,671$83,227$23,074
University of Toledo
Toledo
$12,377$80,876$21,250
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$80,045$27,000
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$78,872$22,411
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$77,622$27,750

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.