Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-Nevada

DeVry's electrical engineering technology program starts graduates at $58,056—solid earnings that place them in the top quarter nationally. But the trajectory reverses course, with incomes dropping 10% to $52,465 by year four. That's unusual for a technical field where experience typically commands higher pay, and it raises questions about whether the associate degree provides enough specialized training to compete with bachelor's-level engineers over time.

The real challenge is the price tag. At $28,782, graduates carry nearly double the national median debt for this program ($14,710). Nevada has only four schools offering this credential, so state-level comparisons are limited, but this debt level stands out. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, graduates should be able to manage payments, though the declining income trend means their financial position may tighten rather than improve in those critical early career years.

For families considering this route, the calculus is straightforward: you're paying premium tuition for middle-tier outcomes in a field where hands-on skills matter more than the name on the diploma. Community college programs offering similar credentials at half the debt load would leave graduates in a significantly stronger financial position, particularly given the uncertain earnings growth ahead.