Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-Virginia

DeVry's electrical engineering technology program charges nearly double the debt of a typical program nationwide ($28,782 vs. $14,710 national median), which immediately raises questions about value. While first-year earnings of $58,056 beat the national average, they fall short of Virginia's median for this field—and nearby New River Community College graduates earn $60,183 while likely carrying far less debt. That premium tuition buys access (100% admission rate) but not superior outcomes.

The earnings trajectory adds another concern: graduates see income drop 10% by year four, falling to $52,465. This isn't the steady progression parents expect from a technical degree. Even with the manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation, that declining trend means the debt burden becomes heavier over time rather than lighter. For a program serving 42% Pell Grant recipients, this pattern is particularly troubling.

Virginia families have better options. Community colleges deliver comparable or better earnings at a fraction of the cost. Unless there's a compelling reason why DeVry's format—perhaps evening classes or specific industry connections—uniquely fits your situation, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere. This is a functional program, not a failed one, but you're paying private college prices for middle-of-the-pack Virginia outcomes.