Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests reasonable affordability for an associate degree, though both figures here are national estimates rather than outcomes specific to Clover Park graduates. Similar engineering technology programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $48,000 with debt loads near $14,000βnumbers that translate to manageable monthly payments of roughly $150 on a standard repayment plan against take-home pay exceeding $3,000. For technical training designed to lead directly to employment, this financial profile looks workable.
The challenge is that Washington has nine schools offering this credential, and without reported data from any of them, it's difficult to gauge how local employer demand affects outcomes or whether Clover Park's curriculum aligns particularly well with regional industry needs. Engineering technology is a broad umbrella covering everything from manufacturing to telecommunications, and the value proposition varies considerably depending on which specific technical skills the program emphasizes and whether those match what Puget Sound-area employers are hiring for.
Before committing, visit the campus and ask pointed questions: What percentage of recent graduates found work in their field within six months? Which local companies hire from this program? What specific technical certifications or competencies does the curriculum provide? The estimated numbers suggest this could be a solid investment, but you need concrete placement data and employer connections to know whether this particular program delivers on that potential.
Where Clover Park Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technology associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technology associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,634 | $48,321* | β | $13,834* | β | |
| $4,516 | $61,123* | β | β* | β | |
| $5,774 | $53,143* | $70,007 | $11,000* | 0.21 | |
| $4,550 | $52,531* | $59,650 | $13,865* | 0.26 | |
| $5,350 | $50,148* | β | $13,834* | 0.28 | |
| $4,046 | $46,493* | $38,281 | $18,000* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | β | $48,320* | β | $12,917* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering technology graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
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 Clover Park Technical College, approximately 18% 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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.