Est. Earnings (1yr)
$62,503
Est. from national median (59 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,500
Est. from national median (39 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable financial risk for this program, though both figures come from similar mechanical engineering technology programs nationally rather than Georgia Southern's specific outcomes. Based on these peer programs, first-year earnings around $62,500 would allow graduates to handle the estimated $25,500 debt load within reasonable monthly payment parameters.

What makes interpretation challenging here is that Georgia has only two schools offering this bachelor's degree, and Kennesaw State—the one with reported data—shows graduates earning slightly more at $64,339. Whether Georgia Southern tracks similarly or diverges significantly remains unknown due to the small graduate cohort. The national median sits at $62,503, placing both Georgia programs in the same ballpark, but that still leaves parents without visibility into how this specific institution prepares students for the workforce compared to its in-state competitor.

The fundamentals look sound: technical degrees in mechanical engineering fields generally lead to solid employment, and the estimated debt level isn't excessive for the projected earnings. But the lack of actual data means you're evaluating this program based on what happens elsewhere, not what Georgia Southern delivers. If your student is choosing between the two Georgia options, Kennesaw's reported outcomes at least provide concrete evidence of graduate success—something this program can't yet demonstrate publicly.

Where Georgia Southern University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro$5,905$62,503*$25,500*
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$64,339*$69,521$25,500*0.40
National Median$62,503*$27,000*0.43
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related 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

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

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

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

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/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.

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 Georgia Southern University, approximately 35% 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 59 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.