Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,055
77th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
38
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Dayton's Mechanical Engineering Technology program delivers above-average outcomes at a manageable debt load. Starting salaries of $66,055 place graduates well above both the national median ($62,503) and Ohio median ($61,835) for this degree. Among Ohio's eight programs, Dayton essentially ties with Toledo for top earnings—a meaningful distinction in a state where the bottom programs start graduates nearly $10,000 lower. The 77th percentile national ranking confirms this isn't just strong performance relative to local competition.

The financial picture works well for most families. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means typical borrowers owe less than half their first-year salary, which is quite manageable in a field with steady demand. Earnings growth to $73,272 by year four shows solid career progression, and the moderate sample size suggests this program has established itself with regional employers.

The value proposition here is straightforward: competitive outcomes without the premium price tag or admission selectivity of engineering powerhouses. For students seeking hands-on technical training with strong immediate earning potential, this program delivers what it promises. The regional reputation appears particularly strong—graduates aren't commanding elite salaries, but they're entering stable careers with reasonable debt and clear upward trajectories.

Where University of Dayton Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

University of DaytonOther mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians 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 $66k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians 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

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Dayton$66,055$73,272$27,0000.41
University of Toledo$66,034$75,973$26,8750.41
University of Akron Main Campus$61,835$67,476$24,7490.40
Youngstown State University$56,656$78,374$35,9470.63
Cleveland State University$56,332———
National Median$62,503—$27,0000.43

Other Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Toledo
Toledo
$12,377$66,034$26,875
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$61,835$24,749
Youngstown State University
Youngstown
$10,791$56,656$35,947
Cleveland State University
Cleveland
$12,613$56,332—

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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.