Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,055
77th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median

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

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$66,055$73,272+11%
Rochester Institute of Technology$69,261$82,078+19%
Youngstown State University$56,656$78,374+38%
University of Toledo$66,034$75,973+15%
University of Akron Main Campus$61,835$67,476+9%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$66,055$73,272$27,0000.41
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$66,034$75,973$26,8750.41
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$61,835$67,476$24,7490.40
Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown$10,791$56,656$78,374$35,9470.63
Cleveland State UniversityCleveland$12,613$56,332
National Median$62,503$27,0000.43

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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.