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Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Quality Control and Safety Technologies programs show dramatic cost differences nationwide, with California State University-Dominguez Hills offering the lowest net price at just $3,659 while other competitive options range up to $13,780. Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn the highest salaries at $69,338 annually, nearly 75% more than Northeastern State University graduates who start at $39,639. The manufacturing belt states dominate these programs, reflecting strong regional demand from automotive, aerospace, and industrial employers who need certified safety technicians. Murray State University combines strong value with excellent outcomes, charging $9,121 net cost while producing graduates earning $66,969. These programs typically blend hands-on laboratory work with regulatory compliance training, preparing students for roles in OSHA compliance, industrial hygiene, and quality assurance. Manufacturing growth across the Midwest and South has increased demand for safety technicians by 8% annually according to recent labor data. Students can expect coursework covering hazard identification, environmental monitoring, and safety management systems that directly translate to immediate employment opportunities.
30
Programs
$3,659 – $19,733
Net Price Range
$58,073
Avg. Program Earnings
48.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
3 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
4 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
5 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
6 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
7 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
8 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
9 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
10 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
11 $12,091 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
12 $12,174 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
13 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
14 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
15 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
16 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
17 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
18 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
19 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
20 $14,975 $5,808 37.2%
21 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
22 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
23 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
24 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
25 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
26 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
27 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
28 $19,164 $14,710 58.4% 89.5%
29 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
30 $19,733 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $10,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

California State University-Dominguez Hills charges just $3,659 net cost due to substantial state funding and financial aid, while University of Alaska Anchorage costs $13,780 despite lower in-state tuition of $7,566. Public universities in states with strong manufacturing bases often receive additional funding for technical programs. Geographic location significantly impacts both operational costs and available financial aid packages.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better completion rates, as evidenced by University of Alaska Anchorage's 28.9% graduation rate despite its $13,780 cost. Murray State University achieves a 59.5% graduation rate at $9,121, while Nicholls State University graduates 54.3% of students for $12,091. Mid-range pricing often indicates better resource allocation and student support services.

Is the earnings potential worth the student debt in these programs?

Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn $69,338 but carry $30,849 in debt, creating a 2.2:1 earnings-to-debt ratio. Murray State offers better financial outcomes with $66,969 earnings against $24,561 debt for a 2.7:1 ratio. Northeastern State University provides the lowest debt burden at $14,924 but also the lowest earnings at $39,639, requiring careful consideration of regional job markets.

Where do these programs have the highest acceptance rates?

Northeastern State University accepts 99.46% of applicants, followed by Fairmont State at 98.49% and Southeastern Louisiana at 98.98%. These high acceptance rates reflect industry demand for safety technicians rather than program quality concerns. Even selective schools like Eastern Kentucky University accept 64.31% of applicants, indicating accessible entry requirements across most programs.

Does geographic location affect career prospects for safety technicians?

Manufacturing-heavy regions show stronger salary outcomes, with Kentucky and West Virginia programs producing graduates earning $59,169 to $69,338 annually. Oklahoma graduates start lower at $39,639 to $46,087, reflecting different industrial compositions and cost of living factors. Programs in states with oil, coal, or heavy manufacturing industries typically offer better immediate job placement and advancement opportunities.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.