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 gives you a strong financial return, and the reason is simple: this is an engineering school, and engineering pays. A $94,823 median earnings figure ten years out against $27,000 in median debt means your loans get covered fast. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the kind of math that actually works.
Every top program here is an engineering or computer science bachelor's degree, and they all land in the high $70,000s to low $80,000s. Chemical engineering tops the list at $83,177, with mechanical, electrical, and computer science clustered just below. Even industrial engineering, the lowest of the listed programs at $70,009, clears most graduates' repayment comfortably. There is no soft major hiding in these numbers because Kettering does not really offer one. If you come here, you are studying engineering or computing, full stop.
The location in Flint ties Kettering to Michigan's automotive and manufacturing base, which is where these degrees convert into jobs. That regional pull is a plus if you want to work in the industry and a thing to think about if you do not.
The retention and graduation numbers back up the value: you are very likely to return after year one, and seven in ten of you finish. Finishing matters, because the debt without the degree is the real risk at any school.
On cost, families under $48,000 in income pay meaningfully less than the sticker net price, while families above $75,000 pay above it. If your household earns under $48k, this school is more affordable than the headline suggests. Above $110k, you are paying close to $36,000 a year.
Kettering fits you if you want an engineering career and are ready to commit to that track. If you are undecided on a major or want a broad liberal-arts path, look elsewhere.
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.