Kettering University has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Private Colleges in the Nation for Return on Investment (ROI), according to a Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce study published by MSN. Kettering University ranked No. 21 in the nation, besting Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Notre Dame, and Northwestern, among other prestigious institutions. The ranking also represents a leap forward from No. 33 in the same study one year ago. The Wall Street Journal, College Pulse, and Statista have previously recognized Kettering as one of the top 10 schools in the nation for Career Preparation. Business Insider ranked Kettering University as one of the best in the nation for Best Bang for Your Buck, and Smart Asset scored Kettering as the No. 1 school in Michigan for graduates' starting salaries.
With a 40-year net present value (NPV) of $1.94 million, Kettering’s distinctive Co-op education model is the driving force behind its unmatched career acceleration, high graduate salaries, and long-term financial success.
● Median earnings after 10 years: $93,893
● Net price: $37,518
● Median student debt: $27,000
A Different Kind of Education — A Different Kind of Outcome
Unlike traditional universities, where students wait until their third or fourth year to gain industry experience, Kettering students begin their careers on day one through an integrated, paid Co-op program that provides up to 2.5 years of full-time work experience before graduation.
This 50-50 model — rotating between rigorous academic terms and real-world employment at 400+ Co-op employer partners — ensures that Kettering graduates enter the workforce with in-demand skills, high salaries, and the potential for rapid career progression.
“Kettering University has always been about more than just classroom education — we are about action,” said Kettering University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “This latest ranking from Georgetown University confirms what our students, alumni, and industry partners already know: A Kettering degree isn’t just a credential; it’s a competitive advantage. Our graduates don’t enter the workforce hoping to make an impact; they are doing so even before they cross the commencement stage. This is the power of our integrated and comprehensive co-op model. We offer an education built for those who are ready to lead.”
With Co-op earnings of up to $75,000 over nine terms, Kettering students reduce their student debt, strengthen their resumes, and build industry connections before graduation.
Kettering Graduates: Leading the Future of Industry
Kettering’s results are more than numbers — they represent real-world success. Graduates are shaping the future of advanced mobility, AI, cybersecurity, sustainable energy, robotics, and more. Alumni are leading Fortune 500 companies, founding groundbreaking startups, and earning patents before graduation. Employers turn to Kettering students because they know they’re already experienced.
