Analysis
Michigan's manufacturing sector creates substantial demand for electrical engineering technicians, and based on national data from similar programs, Henry Ford College's associate degree appears positioned to meet that demand at a manageable cost. The estimated debt of around $12,000 sits below the national median for this credential, while projected first-year earnings of roughly $55,000 align with what comparable programs typically produce nationwide. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22—meaning graduates would owe about 11 weeks' worth of gross pay, a threshold most financial advisors consider very manageable.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely from national estimates rather than Henry Ford's actual graduate outcomes, which aren't publicly available due to small sample sizes. What we can say is that electrical engineering technology programs nationally show consistent performance, and Henry Ford's location in Dearborn—home to Ford Motor Company and surrounded by automotive suppliers—suggests strong local employer connections. The school's high Pell grant population (45%) indicates it serves students who need education to translate directly into stable employment.
For families weighing this program, the estimated numbers suggest solid return potential, but you'll want to verify job placement rates and employer partnerships directly with the college. An associate degree that costs roughly a fifth of first-year earnings and leads to technical work in a manufacturing hub has fundamental appeal—just confirm the school delivers what the estimates promise.
Where Henry Ford College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,460 | $54,852* | — | $12,063* | — | |
| $4,670 | $109,198* | — | $11,083* | 0.10 | |
| $5,195 | $89,460* | $97,691 | $14,236* | 0.16 | |
| $4,706 | $71,070* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,639 | $69,797* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,872 | $68,590* | $62,046 | $10,669* | 0.16 | |
| National Median | — | $54,852* | — | $14,710* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Henry Ford College, approximately 45% 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 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.