Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Bates Technical College

Based on comparable programs nationwide, this electrical engineering technology degree appears to offer solid financial fundamentals—estimated first-year earnings around $55,000 against roughly $12,000 in debt translates to a manageable debt load that graduates could reasonably pay down within a year or two of focused repayment. That 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests a program where the credential cost stays proportional to earning power, which is what you want to see in a technical field.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely from estimates derived from peer programs nationally, since Bates Technical College's actual graduate outcomes aren't reported due to small sample sizes. What we know is that electrical engineering technology programs nationally cluster around $55,000 in first-year earnings with median debt closer to $15,000—Bates appears positioned slightly better on the debt side if these estimates hold. The field itself tends to offer stable demand for skilled technicians who can work with electrical systems, controls, and automation.

For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you're essentially betting on Bates delivering outcomes similar to the national average for this credential. If your student has aptitude for technical work and the Tacoma area offers employment opportunities in manufacturing, utilities, or construction, the financial framework looks sound. Just recognize you're making this decision without school-specific graduate data—ask the admissions office about job placement rates and employer relationships to fill in what the federal data can't tell you.