Kettering University's published cost of attendance reaches $58,610 per year, including $46,380 in tuition, $9,500 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $33,092 after financial aid, representing savings of $25,518 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $61,250 |
| Tuition and Fees | $48,470 |
| Room and Board | $10,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$26,590 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $34,660 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $24,910 |
| $30–48k | $23,273 |
| $48–75k | $31,544 |
| $75–110k | $33,401 |
| $110k+ | $39,399 |
Kettering University's published cost of attendance reaches $58,610 per year, including $46,380 in tuition, $9,500 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $33,092 after financial aid, representing savings of $25,518 from the sticker price. This net price significantly exceeds the peer median of $21,812 by $11,280, reflecting Kettering's position as a specialized private technical institution.
The higher costs align with the institution's intensive cooperative education model, small class sizes, and industry-standard laboratory facilities. Financial aid reduces costs meaningfully, though not to the level achieved by many public institutions or institutions with larger endowments. Students and families should plan for above-average educational costs that are partially offset by exceptional post-graduation earning potential, with graduates earning $44,411 more annually than peer institution graduates.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Kettering University graduates carry median debt of $27,000, slightly above the peer median of $25,000, reflecting the institution's higher educational costs. Debt levels range from $9,500 at the 25th percentile to $31,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 remains well within manageable bounds given the exceptional post-graduation earnings of $94,823. Parent PLUS loans average $36,102 with monthly payments of $475, indicating that families often supplement student borrowing with additional debt to manage the higher costs.
The modest debt premium of $2,000 above peer institutions becomes highly manageable when considered against the $44,411 annual earnings advantage Kettering graduates achieve. While debt levels exceed many alternatives, the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled borrowing creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial success for graduates entering high-paying technical careers.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Kettering University represents an exceptional educational investment despite higher upfront costs. Graduates earn $25,381 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 96th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
The median earnings of $94,823 exceed peer institutions by $44,411 annually, easily justifying the $11,280 higher net price within just a few months of post-graduation employment. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates sustainable borrowing levels, while the return on investment percentile of 99.0% places Kettering among the top-performing institutions nationally.
The institution's specialized focus, cooperative education model, and industry connections create direct pathways to high-paying careers that offset the premium educational costs. For students committed to engineering careers and able to manage higher costs, Kettering delivers among the strongest financial returns we track, transforming educational investment into sustained economic advantage through specialized technical preparation and proven industry placement outcomes.
Kettering University provides meaningful financial aid while maintaining higher net costs than peer institutions. The institution serves 16.8% Pell-eligible students, a share below national averages but consistent with private technical colleges that depend heavily on tuition revenue.
Average financial aid reduces costs by $25,518, bringing the sticker price of $58,610 down to a net price of $33,092. However, this net price exceeds the peer median by $11,280, indicating that even with aid, Kettering remains a higher-cost option.
The aid structure shows income sensitivity, with the lowest-income students receiving the most substantial discounts, though all income levels pay premium prices for the specialized technical education and cooperative learning opportunities that characterize the institution's educational model.
