Two Kettering University students, a female and a male, look at a large piece of machinery.

When Kettering University graduates enter the job market, they start with a median salary of $75,700—highest in the state of Michigan—according to new rankings from SmartAsset. Kettering grads make $4,600 more than their peers from Michigan Technological University, which ranks second with a $71,100 median starting salary for graduates.

“Employers recognize the incredible value a Kettering University graduate brings to their organization,” said Enza Sleva, Director of Co-op Operations. “Our graduates have not only studied theories and methods but also gained firsthand experience and professional skills through our immersive Co-op program. Kettering students join the workforce with valuable professional experience and are ready to make an immediate impact and contribute to the success of their employers.”

This is the second consecutive year SmartAsset has determined Kettering graduates have the highest starting salaries in the state.

Kettering significantly improved its SmartAsset College Education Value Index, jumping to 70.46 from last year’s 59.96. 

The financial benefits for students are felt throughout their time at Kettering, not just after graduating, SmartAsset determined. Kettering is one of the state’s top Best Value Colleges, landing at No. 4.

The University’s Co-op program contributes heavily to the overall value of a Kettering education and is among its most unique attributes dating back to its founding in 1919. Starting in their first year, students rotate between the classroom and paid, professional Co-op experiences at one of more than 400 partner organizations spanning Michigan and 21 other states. Students earn their degree, up to 2½ years of professional experience and earnings, from $45,000 to $70,000 over their time at Kettering.

To be considered a Best Value College, schools are evaluated on five categories: tuition, student living costs, scholarship and grant offerings, student retention rate, and starting salary for new graduates. 

The SmartAsset recognition is just the latest for Kettering.

  • U.S. News & World Report this week included Kettering in its 2024 Best Colleges rankings at No. 6 among Most Innovative Schools – Regional Universities Midwest and No. 9 among Regional Universities Midwest.
  • Business Insider recognized Kettering as one of the top 31 universities and colleges providing students the best bang for their buck. 
  • Niche ranked Kettering at No. 3 for the Best Value Colleges in Michigan.

The annual SmartAsset rankings are based on the 2020 National Center for Educational Statistics, 2023 Payscale, The Institute for College Access & Success, College InSight, and Peterson’s Undergraduate Financial Aid and Undergraduate Database. 

SmartAsset, an online destination for consumer-focused financial information and advice, compares schools based on various financial factors and data sets, including starting salary, tuition, living expenses, student retention rate and scholarships awarded.

A more comprehensive list of Kettering accolades can be found here.