Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

This bachelor's program in mechanical engineering technology carries an estimated debt load of $27,125—roughly half of the first-year earnings that similar programs nationally produce. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 puts graduates in manageable territory, suggesting most could handle monthly loan payments without severe financial strain. However, it's worth noting these figures come from peer programs nationally since this specific program's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes.

The estimated $62,503 first-year salary aligns exactly with the national median for mechanical engineering technology bachelor's programs, which makes sense for a technically-focused credential that leads to specific job roles with relatively standardized compensation. New Jersey's industrial and manufacturing sectors typically pay competitive wages for these skills, though without state-level comparisons (Fairleigh Dickinson is the only NJ school offering this particular program), it's harder to gauge local market dynamics.

For families considering this program, the math works on paper—the debt burden appears reasonable relative to likely earning power. But the lack of program-specific data means you're betting on Fairleigh Dickinson's career services, industry connections, and curriculum quality without verification of their actual graduate outcomes. If your child is certain about this technical career path, the numbers suggest financial viability, but you'll want to dig into the program's employer partnerships and job placement track record directly with the school.