Analysis
Engineering technician roles typically command solid starting salaries, and peer programs nationally suggest this path could deliver around $66,600 in first-year earnings against roughly $24,700 in debt—a 0.37 ratio that places borrowed funds well within manageable territory. That's better than many four-year programs manage, though these figures come from comparable programs nationwide rather than Arkansas State's specific graduate outcomes, which aren't available due to small cohort sizes.
The real question is trajectory. Engineering technology bachelor's degrees occupy a middle ground between traditional engineering and associate-level technician work, and their value often depends heavily on regional industry demand. Arkansas State serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (37%), and for those entering debt-free or with minimal loans, this program could provide accessible entry to technical careers without the rigor of a full engineering curriculum. But families taking on significant debt should recognize they're betting on estimates rather than proven outcomes from this specific program.
The lack of state comparison data makes this trickier to evaluate. If your child is drawn to hands-on technical work rather than theoretical engineering, and the estimated debt aligns with your family's actual borrowing, the financial fundamentals look reasonable. But confirm what industries actively recruit Arkansas State engineering technology graduates—that labor market connection matters more than the numbers suggest.
Where Arkansas State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro | $7,754 | $66,626* | — | $24,736* | — |
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $115,589* | — | $27,000* | 0.23 |
 Maine Maritime AcademyCastine | $14,746 | $98,488* | $104,327 | $27,000* | 0.27 |
 Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach | $3,106 | $73,572* | $55,610 | $23,319* | 0.32 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $72,022* | $78,175 | $22,115* | 0.31 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $70,620* | $75,927 | $25,000* | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $66,626* | — | $25,000* | 0.38 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arkansas State University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.