Median Earnings (1yr)
$83,479
95th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$24,073
13% below national median

Analysis

Excelsior University's online electrical engineering technology program produces graduates earning $83,479 in their first year—a figure that places them in the 95th percentile nationally and ahead of Rochester Institute of Technology, traditionally considered the state's flagship for technical education. That's $16,000 above the national median and roughly $20,000 more than what graduates from comparable SUNY programs typically earn. The debt load of $24,073 translates to a 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary—well within manageable territory.

The 60th percentile ranking within New York might seem modest at first glance, but context matters here. With only 12 schools offering this bachelor's program statewide, being above the median is meaningful, especially when you're outperforming established institutions like Buffalo State and CUNY. As an online university serving primarily working adults (evident in the moderate 25% Pell rate), Excelsior likely attracts students who already have some industry experience, which may explain the strong earnings outcomes.

For parents weighing options, this program delivers clear financial value: strong starting salaries with modest debt, particularly if your child is self-motivated enough for online learning. The return on investment here significantly outpaces what you'd find at most traditional electrical engineering technology programs nationwide.

Where Excelsior University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Excelsior University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Excelsior UniversityAlbany$83,479$24,0730.29
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$75,227$84,292$30,4070.40
SUNY Buffalo State UniversityBuffalo$8,486$71,894$82,564$28,0000.39
DeVry College of New YorkNew York$17,488$67,395$75,968$53,0620.79
CUNY New York City College of TechnologyBrooklyn$7,332$61,520$83,092
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale$8,576$53,729$75,888$15,5000.29
National Median$67,395$27,5580.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Excelsior University, approximately 25% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.