Compare 14 Mechanical Engineering. programs in Ohio. Average earnings: $78,604.
Mechanical Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $71,895 and $86,755—a $15K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 14 ranked programs in Ohio, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Ohio State University-Main Campus leads with graduates earning $86,755, while the state average sits at $78,604. Close behind, University of Mount Union delivers $83,778 despite its 80% acceptance rate—proof that accessible programs can compete with selective institutions when evaluated on outcomes rather than admissions difficulty.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Ohio State graduates borrow $19,976 and face just a 4.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, University of Toledo leads with a 10.2% family burden, keeping payments manageable even with additional borrowing.
Highest program earnings: $86,755
Strong outcomes ($83,778) with 80% acceptance
4.3% payment burden | Excellent
10.2% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $86,755 | 248 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #2 | University Of Mount UnionPrivate | $83,778 | 26 | $27,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable |
| #3 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $83,262 | 195 | $23,250 | Excellent | $43,810 | Manageable |
| #4 | $82,466 | 91 | $24,000 | Excellent | $31,458 | Manageable | |
| #5 | University Of ToledoPublic | $82,107 | 195 | $22,250 | Excellent | $19,243 | Good |
| #6 | $81,244 | 238 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Good | |
| #7 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $78,265 | 106 | $23,000 | Excellent | $34,512 | Manageable |
| #8 | $76,736 | 197 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,000 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $76,293 | 58 | $24,000 | Excellent | $16,900 | Good | |
| #10 | Ohio Northern UniversityPrivate | $75,513 | 41 | $27,000 | Excellent | $32,246 | Manageable |
| #11 | $75,309 | 124 | $22,750 | Excellent | $14,381 | Good | |
| #12 | $74,733 | 70 | $21,056 | Excellent | $23,508 | Manageable | |
| #13 | Cedarville UniversityPrivate | $72,106 | 45 | $20,937 | Excellent | $37,422 | Manageable |
| #14 | $71,895 | 118 | $21,797 | Excellent | $16,998 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
