Analysis
Engineering technology programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $66,600—a solid starting point that typically covers debt service comfortably. For Eastern Michigan's program specifically, both earnings and debt figures are estimates based on peer institutions rather than tracked outcomes from their own graduates, which means parents should approach these numbers as educated guesses rather than verified benchmarks.
The estimated debt of $24,700 against those projected earnings creates a manageable 0.37 ratio, suggesting graduates from comparable programs handle repayment without strain. What's less certain is whether Eastern Michigan's particular curriculum and employer connections deliver similar results. With only three engineering technology bachelor's programs in Michigan and limited reported data, there's not enough local context to know if this school's approach matches the national pattern or falls short.
The practical challenge here is that you're betting on a program with no public track record. The numbers from peer schools suggest reasonable value, but Eastern Michigan's specific outcomes remain invisible. Before committing, contact the department directly for employment placement rates and typical hiring companies—any credible program should share where recent graduates actually landed, even if official federal data isn't available.
Where Eastern Michigan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $66,626* | — | $24,736* | — |
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $115,589* | — | $27,000* | 0.23 |
 Maine Maritime AcademyCastine | $14,746 | $98,488* | $104,327 | $27,000* | 0.27 |
 Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach | $3,106 | $73,572* | $55,610 | $23,319* | 0.32 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $72,022* | $78,175 | $22,115* | 0.31 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $70,620* | $75,927 | $25,000* | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $66,626* | — | $25,000* | 0.38 |
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 Eastern Michigan University, approximately 37% 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 national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.