Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Idaho State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 positions this program favorably for technical education, where graduates can expect to earn roughly $2.50 for every dollar borrowed. Based on comparable engineering technology programs nationally, first-year earnings around $67,000 represent solid entry into the field—technical roles in electrical systems, industrial automation, and power distribution typically offer stable employment with consistent demand. The estimated $26,000 in debt sits just below the national median for this credential, suggesting Idaho State is keeping costs reasonably in check for a four-year technical degree.

The challenge here is confirmation. As the only school in Idaho offering this bachelor's program, there's no state data to validate whether Idaho State's outcomes match the national pattern. Engineering technology programs can vary significantly—some produce graduates who command salaries approaching traditional engineering roles, while others lead to technician positions with more modest pay. The national figures suggest mid-range outcomes, but your student's actual prospects will depend heavily on Idaho State's industry connections, lab facilities, and whether the curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical skills or leans more theoretical.

For families considering this path, the financial framework looks manageable if those national earnings estimates hold true in Idaho's job market. But given the data limitations, connect directly with the program about graduate placement rates and where recent alumni are actually working—that ground-level information matters more than national averages when you're making a specific investment in this specific school.