At $33,092/yr net price, Kettering University graduates earn $94,823/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $60,823/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,092 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $132,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $94,823/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$60,823/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,584/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,373/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,117/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,414/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,912/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $114,595 | $26,568 |
| Engineering Science. | Master | $105,083 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $103,746 | $31,796 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $83,177 | $29,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,255 | $28,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,612 | $30,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $77,715 | $27,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,713 |
The Risk Factor
70.5% of students at Kettering University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Kettering University delivers strong financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median of $94,823 ten years after enrollment. The school's cooperative education model, which integrates paid work experience throughout your degree, helps offset costs and provides direct pathways into high-paying careers.
Business programs offer the highest returns, with specialized business degrees reaching $114,595 in median earnings while maintaining relatively low debt loads. Engineering Science graduates also perform well at $105,083, though traditional engineering majors like mechanical and chemical engineering lag behind at around $80,000. This gap suggests Kettering's business programs may offer better value than its engineering focus would imply.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 29.5% chance you won't graduate, which would leave you with debt but no degree. The co-op program requires securing employer partnerships, and students who struggle to find placements may face extended timelines or consider transferring.
Kettering makes financial sense if you can handle the technical curriculum and benefit from hands-on learning. The co-op earnings help manage the $33,092 annual net price, and the strong industry connections in automotive and manufacturing provide clear career paths. However, only 16.81% of students receive financial aid, limiting affordability for middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based assistance.
Skip Kettering if you're uncertain about STEM fields or prefer traditional college experiences. The specialized focus means limited options if you change majors, and the location in Flint restricts your job market primarily to Michigan's industrial corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kettering University worth the high tuition cost?
Kettering graduates earn $94,823 annually after 10 years, which is solid for engineering fields but comes with a $33,092 yearly net price. The return depends heavily on your major - business programs average $114,595 while mechanical engineering starts at $80,255.
What is the job market like for Kettering University graduates?
Kettering's co-op program gives students work experience, but the 70% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete the program. Engineering and business graduates generally find jobs, though starting salaries vary widely by field.
How much student debt do Kettering University students typically have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to the $33,092 annual net price. However, this debt load makes sense only if you complete the degree and work in a field that pays well.
Are certain programs at Kettering University better investments than others?
Business programs offer the highest returns at $114,595, while mechanical engineering graduates earn significantly less at $80,255. Chemical engineering falls in between at $83,177, making program choice critical for ROI.