Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $66,055 at University of Dayton come in 6% above the national median of $62,227 for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs.
The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $66,055 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #45 out of 59 programs, University of Dayton's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $66,055 to $85,129 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.