Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale State graduates start behind but catch up fast—first-year earnings of $54,000 lag significantly behind New York's $67,000 median, placing this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. However, by year four, earnings jump to $76,000, a 41% increase that puts graduates ahead of several competitors and approaching the state average. This trajectory suggests the program may emphasize foundational skills that take time to translate into higher-paying positions, or that graduates need experience to move beyond entry-level technician roles.

The $15,500 median debt is the real advantage here—it's nearly half the state median of $26,000 and puts Farmingdale in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, graduates owe less than three months of first-year salary, making the initial earnings gap much easier to manage. This matters particularly for the 36% of students receiving Pell grants, who need programs that won't saddle them with unmanageable debt.

For families prioritizing affordability in a solid technical field, Farmingdale delivers reasonable value despite the slow start. The combination of low debt and strong earnings growth means graduates can weather those early years without financial strain. Just understand your child will likely need patience and persistence in those first couple of years to reach the earning potential this field offers.