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Systems Engineering at Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $63,243/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (57,100 openings/yr)

ROI 4.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #11 of 11 Systems Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Systems Engineering graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$663K	$647K	$572K
Earnings Multiple	4.7x	4.6x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$139,596

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,560

37% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,469

4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $63,243 place Otterbein University below the $75,193 national median for Systems Engineering — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 4.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $63,243 far exceeding the $25,469 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #11 out of 11 programs, Otterbein University's financial outcomes for Systems Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Otterbein University

Otterbein University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,055 in Westerville, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $88,560 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Otterbein University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Systems Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Otterbein University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Otterbein University's Systems Engineering program score?

This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Systems Engineering. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Systems Engineering to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Systems Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Systems Engineering earnings lower at Otterbein University?

Lower starting pay at Otterbein University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →