Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at College of Staten Island CUNY

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$49,652

Est. from NY median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

The $12,000 debt burden for this two-year technical credential appears reasonable, particularly given CUNY's public pricing and the fact that half of students here receive Pell grants. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 means graduates would owe roughly three months' salary—manageable if the earnings estimate holds true.

But here's the challenge: similar electrical engineering technology programs across New York show enormous variation, from over $58,000 at DeVry to just $31,000 at CUNY Bronx. The $49,600 estimate for Staten Island falls in the middle of this range, about $5,000 below the national median. Whether graduates here land closer to the Monroe Community College outcomes or the Bronx Community College outcomes makes a huge difference in return on investment. The local job market in Staten Island and the program's industry connections will matter significantly.

For families seeking an affordable technical pathway—especially those qualifying for Pell grants—the modest debt load offers a safety net even if earnings disappoint. But this isn't a guaranteed win: check the program's job placement support, equipment quality, and whether graduates actually secure technician roles rather than lower-paying assistant positions. The gap between top-performing programs and struggling ones in this field suggests program quality varies wildly, and without specific data for Staten Island, you're making an educated bet rather than following proven outcomes.

Where College of Staten Island CUNY Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (36 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island	$7,490	$49,652*	—	$12,063*	—
DeVry College of New YorkNew York	$17,488	$58,056*	$52,465	$28,782*	0.50
Monroe Community CollegeRochester	$5,856	$51,245*	$48,732	$13,250*	0.26
Onondaga Community CollegeSyracuse	$6,042	$48,058*	$68,806	$10,787*	0.22
CUNY Bronx Community CollegeBronx	$5,206	$31,273*	$74,233	—*	—
National Median	—	$54,852*	—	$14,710*	0.27

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

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

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

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.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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 College of Staten Island CUNY, approximately 49% 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 4 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.