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Best Value Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Maine Maritime Academy delivers an $81,997 median salary for engineering technology graduates while charging $21,185 in net costs, creating one of the strongest return ratios in the field. This contrasts sharply with Daytona State College's $7,201 net price but $37,568 earnings, showing how program focus affects outcomes. Engineering technicians support the nation's infrastructure backbone, from power grid maintenance to manufacturing quality control, with particularly strong demand in coastal regions where maritime and energy sectors intersect. The 20 programs examined show net costs ranging from $7,201 to $29,558, with earnings spanning $31,133 to $81,997. Public institutions dominate this space, offering accessible pathways into technical careers that often require specialized certifications rather than traditional four-year degrees. North Carolina A&T produces graduates earning $54,035 while maintaining relatively low debt levels at $30,433, reflecting the practical nature of these programs.
48
Programs
$5,115 – $50,404
Net Price Range
$54,976
Avg. Program Earnings
49.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,201 $37,568 $3,106 41.2%
2 $9,173 $47,520 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
3 $10,980 $54,035 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
4 $14,170 $60,485 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
5 $14,850 $63,005 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
6 $13,091 $52,107 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
7 $21,185 $81,997 $14,746 61.4% 57.7%
8 $17,387 $66,941 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
9 $16,514 $63,005 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
10 $20,918 $64,829 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
11 $26,084 $67,660 $17,940 50.4%
12 $15,389 $39,009 $9,622 43.0%
13 $19,164 $40,368 $14,710 58.4% 89.5%
14 $15,898 $31,133 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
15 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
16 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
17 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
18 $17,791 $6,206 10.2%
19 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
20 $29,558 $47,647 58.3% 82.8%
21 $10,705 $6,900 21.5%
22 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
23 $9,421 $3,284 27.3%
24 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
25 $13,953 $7,392 25.4%
26 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
27 $17,555 $7,672 66.8% 95.5%
28 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
29 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
30 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
31 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
32 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
33 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
34 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
35 $24,678 $27,318 46.7% 64.3%
36 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
37 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
38 $50,404 $50,270 66.3% 54.2%
39 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
40 $5,243 $5,350 24.9%
41 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
42 $15,044 $6,706 28.2%
43 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
44 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
45 $20,709 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
46 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
47 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
48 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Maine Maritime Academy's $81,997 graduate earnings compared to other programs?

Maine Maritime Academy specializes in maritime engineering technology, preparing graduates for high-paying positions in shipping, offshore energy, and marine systems. The academy's 61.40% graduation rate and focused curriculum align with industry demands for specialized technical skills. Maritime technicians often work in remote or challenging environments that command premium salaries. The $27,000 median debt level remains manageable given the strong earning potential in this specialized field.

How do in-state tuition costs compare to net prices across these programs?

In-state students at East Carolina University pay just $7,361 compared to a $16,514 net price, showing significant financial aid impact. Daytona State College offers the lowest in-state rate at $3,106, making it highly accessible for Florida residents. North Carolina A&T provides substantial value with $6,748 in-state costs versus $10,980 net price. These gaps demonstrate how state funding and institutional aid reduce the actual cost burden for many students.

Is there a correlation between graduation rates and post-graduation earnings in these programs?

Higher graduation rates often align with better earnings outcomes, though not universally. Bowling Green State University achieves a 62.80% graduation rate with $64,829 median earnings, while Ball State University reaches 63.30% graduation but only $31,133 earnings. Maine Maritime Academy's 61.40% rate pairs with the highest earnings at $81,997. Program specialization and regional job markets appear to influence earnings more than graduation rates alone.

What role does debt load play in determining program value?

Bowling Green State University graduates carry just $17,321 in median debt while earning $64,829, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. Pennsylvania College of Technology charges $26,084 net but produces $67,660 earners, making the investment worthwhile despite higher costs. East Carolina University combines moderate debt at $20,500 with strong $63,005 earnings. These figures suggest that earnings potential often justifies reasonable debt levels in technical fields.

Where do engineering technology graduates typically find employment?

Manufacturing companies, utilities, construction firms, and government agencies actively recruit engineering technicians for quality control, maintenance, and project support roles. Many graduates work in power plants, manufacturing facilities, or infrastructure projects that require hands-on technical expertise. The field offers geographic flexibility, with opportunities in both urban industrial centers and rural energy production areas. Regional specializations like Maine's maritime focus or North Carolina's aerospace industry create concentrated job markets with competitive salaries.

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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.