Engineering Technology at Cleveland State Community College

Based on comparable engineering technology programs in Tennessee, this associate degree appears to position graduates solidly in the middle of the state's earnings range at an estimated $52,531—matching the Tennessee median and exceeding the national benchmark by about $4,000. The estimated debt load of $13,834 translates to a comfortable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would theoretically owe roughly three months of their first-year salary.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates since Cleveland State's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly available due to small sample sizes. The state comparison data reveals significant variation—nearby Jackson State's engineering tech graduates earn over $60,000 while Pellissippi State's earn closer to $46,000—suggesting program quality and industry connections matter considerably. Without knowing where Cleveland State actually falls in that range, you're making a decision with meaningful uncertainty.

If your student is committed to engineering technology and Cleveland State offers advantages like proximity to home or lower living costs, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. But given the lack of actual performance data, it would be wise to investigate placement rates and employer partnerships directly with the school, and to have a backup plan if job prospects don't materialize as hoped. The 29% Pell grant rate indicates a relatively accessible student body, which may mean the school serves first-generation college students well—or that it simply enrolls locally without strong outcome tracking.