Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-New Jersey

DeVry's electrical engineering technology program charges nearly double the typical debt for this field—$28,782 versus a national median of $14,710—though initial earnings of $58,056 do outpace both state and national benchmarks. Among New Jersey's 12 programs, these graduates land at the 60th percentile for earnings, which means they're doing better than most in-state alternatives despite the premium price tag. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 sits in a manageable range, suggesting graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments in that first year.

The concerning pattern emerges over time: earnings drop 10% by year four, falling to $52,465. This backward trajectory is unusual for an engineering technology field, where graduates typically build skills and see modest wage growth. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, making that $28,782 debt load particularly significant even if the initial job prospects look solid.

For families considering this program, the calculation hinges on job placement speed and that strong first-year salary. If your child can secure immediate employment in their field and aggressively pay down debt during those higher-earning early years, the premium might justify itself. But the earnings decline suggests limited advancement opportunities for these graduates, which transforms what looks like a solid technical credential into a program that may not build long-term career momentum. Factor in DeVry's 100% admission rate and compare carefully against community college alternatives offering the same credential at half the debt.