Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-Illinois

DeVry's electrical engineering technology program delivers earnings right at the national median, but the debt burden tells a more troubling story. At $53,062, graduates carry nearly double the national median debt for this program ($27,558), placing them in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with less debt. Within Illinois, where only three schools offer this bachelor's degree, DeVry trails Southern Illinois University-Carbondale by about $5,000 in starting earnings while matching the state's median debt level.

The math here is straightforward: graduates earning $67,395 with $53,062 in debt face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79, meaning they owe roughly 80% of their first year's salary. While earnings do grow to $76,000 by year four—a respectable 13% increase—that trajectory doesn't change the fundamental calculus. For context, many students at DeVry qualify for Pell grants (65%), suggesting financial aid helps offset costs, but those who do borrow are taking on significantly more debt than peers at other engineering technology programs nationwide.

For an Illinois family, this becomes a question of alternatives. If Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is an option—with similar in-state tuition benefits and better outcomes—it's worth serious consideration. The robust sample size here (100+ graduates) makes these figures reliable, not flukes. DeVry delivers working engineers, but the premium you're paying in debt doesn't translate to premium earnings.