Analysis
University of Dayton's mechanical engineering graduates earn slightly above both state and national medians—$71,911 in their first year versus $69,161 statewide and $70,744 nationally. This places the program in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 23 mechanical engineering programs, a respectable middle-of-the-pack position. While it trails powerhouses like Ohio State ($79,359) and Toledo ($77,011), the gap isn't enormous, and the debt load of $24,250 is actually lighter than both state and national averages.
The real strength here is the combination of reasonable debt and solid earning trajectory. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, graduates can comfortably manage their loans while earning competitive engineering salaries. The 16% earnings growth to $83,262 by year four follows a healthy upward curve, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than outliers.
For an anxious parent, this is a safe bet: your child will graduate with manageable debt, earn a respectable engineering salary from day one, and see meaningful wage growth within their first few years. It's not the absolute top performer in Ohio, but it delivers reliable value without the stress of outsized debt that plagues many programs.
Where University of Dayton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical 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 | $71,911 | $83,262 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $79,359 | $86,755 | +9% |
| University of Mount Union | $71,097 | $83,778 | +18% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $76,736 | $82,466 | +7% |
| University of Toledo | $77,011 | $82,107 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of DaytonDayton | $47,600 | $71,911 | $83,262 | $24,250 | 0.34 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $79,359 | $86,755 | $20,500 | 0.26 |
 University of ToledoToledo | $12,377 | $77,011 | $82,107 | $17,900 | 0.23 |
 Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland | $64,671 | $76,736 | $82,466 | $24,855 | 0.32 |
 Ohio Northern UniversityAda | $37,800 | $72,443 | $75,513 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $72,412 | $81,244 | $25,998 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 182 graduates with reported earnings and 216 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.