Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests this program could be a manageable investment, though the complete picture remains hazy. Based on data from peer engineering technology programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $66,600 would cover the estimated $24,700 in debt within months—a solid foundation for a technical career. What's puzzling, however, is the flatline between years one and four: earnings barely budge from roughly $66,000. This stagnation is unusual for engineering-adjacent fields, where experience typically commands higher pay.
The limited data makes it hard to know if this pattern reflects Farmingdale specifically or just the vagaries of small sample estimation. Engineering technicians often hit practical ceilings without advanced credentials or pivots into engineering roles, which might explain the plateau. That said, the debt load is modest enough that even if earnings don't climb dramatically, graduates aren't trapped by payments. For students targeting hands-on technical work rather than traditional engineering, the math works—but families should investigate whether this program opens doors to advancement or caps out quickly. Ask the school directly about graduate outcomes and whether alumni move into higher-paying roles over time.
Where Farmingdale State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmingdale State College | — | $65,644 | — |
| Maine Maritime Academy | $98,488 | $104,327 | +6% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $66,669 | $78,595 | +18% |
| East Carolina University | $72,022 | $78,175 | +9% |
| Old Dominion University | $70,620 | $75,927 | +8% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale | $8,576 | $66,626* | $65,644 | $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 Farmingdale State College, approximately 36% 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.