Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Wilberforce University

Based on peer programs in Ohio, an electrical engineering degree from Wilberforce would come with roughly $26,000 in debt—slightly above the state median—against first-year earnings around $69,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 sits in manageable territory, but the earnings estimate tracks at the lower end of what Ohio engineering programs typically produce.

The context matters here. Wilberforce serves a student body where 74% receive Pell grants, suggesting it provides access to engineering education for students who might not otherwise pursue it. However, similar programs at Ohio's flagship universities report first-year earnings $10,000-$14,000 higher than what peer institutions suggest for Wilberforce graduates. That gap compounds over a career, and in a field where starting salary heavily influences lifetime earnings potential, it's worth understanding why that difference exists and whether it reflects employer preferences, alumni networks, or other factors beyond the degree itself.

The fundamental question is whether this particular path into electrical engineering delivers comparable career outcomes to Ohio's more established programs. With three-quarters of students relying on Pell grants, many families won't have the luxury of bridging any early earnings gaps. The estimated figures suggest the degree could work financially—the debt burden isn't crushing—but you'd want clear evidence that Wilberforce's engineering graduates actually land jobs comparable to what state medians suggest before committing.