Kettering University
Kettering University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Kettering University at a Glance
Kettering University is a private university in Flint, Michigan. It offers bachelor of science and master’s degrees in STEM and business. Kettering University undergraduate students must complete at least five co-op terms to graduate.
1919
107 years old
$110M
US$110 million (2021)
2,327
1,905 undergrad · 422 grad
145
Identity
Is Kettering University Worth It?
Kettering University offers moderate value at $34,660/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $94,823, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Kettering University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #4 of 9 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 100 | $10,420 | $75,103 |
| #2 | Immaculata University | 53 | $24,258 | $75,701 |
| #3 | Linfield University | 50 | $26,536 | $78,638 |
| #4 | Kettering University | 48 | $34,660 | $94,823 |
| #5 | Assumption University | 48 | $29,498 | $74,895 |
| #6 | Dominican University of California | 46 | $35,333 | $84,713 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Kettering University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Kettering University
The highest-earning program at Kettering University is Mechanical Engineering at $76,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Industrial Engineering at $69,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Kettering University earns $76,900, while a Industrial Engineering graduate earns $69,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $34,660/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $76,900 | $76,900 | $28,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $74,300 | $74,300 | $26,353 |
| Industrial Engineering | $69,300 | $69,300 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Flint, MI
- Student Body
- 1,205 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $34,660
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $94,823
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000