Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Youngstown State University

The small sample size here is crucial—with under 30 graduates, a few data points can skew these numbers significantly. That said, the pattern shows graduates starting below both the national median ($62,503) and Ohio median ($61,835), landing at $56,656 initially. However, the 38% earnings growth to $78,374 by year four suggests graduates gain valuable skills and advance relatively quickly in the field.

The debt picture is notably strong: at $35,947, it's higher than typical for this program nationally, but the 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 7.5 months of their first-year salary. This is manageable debt, and becomes even more reasonable as earnings climb. Among Ohio's eight programs, YSU sits in the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile—not top-tier like Dayton or Toledo, but tracking close to larger state universities.

The real question is whether that initial salary gap closes over time, and with limited sample data, it's impossible to know if that four-year trajectory continues. For students who can attend at in-state tuition rates and appreciate YSU's accessible admissions (80% acceptance), this could work financially. But families should understand they're betting on career growth to justify the investment, and with such a small cohort, next year's numbers could tell a completely different story.