Engineering Technology at Bergen Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests a manageable financial picture for this associate's degree, though it's worth noting these figures come from peer Engineering Technology programs nationally rather than Bergen's specific graduates. Based on comparable programs, starting near $48,000 with roughly $14,000 in debt means graduates could potentially pay off their loans within a year or two of aggressive repayment—a favorable scenario for a two-year credential.

What makes this harder to evaluate is that Bergen is the only school in New Jersey reporting this program to the Department of Education, leaving no state-specific comparisons. Engineering technology typically serves as either a direct path to technician roles or a stepping stone to further engineering credentials. The estimated earnings align exactly with the national median for these programs, which at least suggests the financial outcomes fall within typical ranges for the field. With 34% of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves a population for whom affordability matters.

The real question is whether this specific program connects students to New Jersey's engineering and manufacturing sectors effectively. Without actual outcome data from Bergen graduates, you're relying on the assumption that this program performs similarly to others across the country. If your child has a clear path to employment through internships or industry connections in the area, the debt burden appears light enough to justify the risk.