Est. Earnings (1yr)
$66,591
Est. from OH median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,874
Est. from national median (46 programs)

Analysis

Similar industrial production programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $66,591—a figure that exceeds the national median for this field by roughly $7,000. Combined with estimated debt near $24,000, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates would owe about a third of their starting salary. For context, Ohio programs in this field vary considerably, from about $58,000 at Shawnee State to over $70,000 at Dayton, placing Central State's peer-based estimates in the middle of the state's range.

The practical math works in favor of this pathway. Even with the uncertainty inherent in using peer program data, a $24,000 debt load against mid-$60,000 earnings suggests a reasonable financial foundation—particularly for students at a university where 42% receive Pell grants and need credentials that translate quickly to income. Industrial production skills remain in steady demand across Ohio's manufacturing corridor.

Given that actual outcomes for Central State's specific program aren't available, families should verify current placement rates and employer partnerships directly with the department. But based on what comparable Ohio programs deliver, this appears to be a solid technical degree with earnings potential that justifies the investment, assuming the program maintains connections to regional manufacturers seeking trained technicians.

Where Central State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Central State UniversityWilberforce$7,824$66,591*$23,874*
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$70,559*$26,405*0.37
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$66,591*$73,775$26,863*0.40
Shawnee State UniversityPortsmouth$9,622$57,682*$79,938$24,500*0.42
National Median$59,822*$24,250*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

$51,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

$51,000/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 Central State University, approximately 42% 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 median of 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.