Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Island Drafting and Technical Institute

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$49,652

Est. from NY median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$28,782

Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

The estimated $28,782 in debt for this associate degree is more than double what similar electrical engineering technology programs in New York typically require—state peers average just $13,250. Based on comparable programs in New York suggesting first-year earnings around $49,652, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, manageable in theory but concerning when you consider that community colleges offering the same credential produce similar outcomes with far less borrowing. Monroe Community College graduates, for instance, earn $51,245 while typically carrying half the debt load.

What makes this particularly worth questioning is that Island Drafting serves a predominantly working-class student body (70% receive Pell grants), yet charges private school prices for an associate degree that leads to the same entry-level technician roles as programs costing $15,000 less. The field itself is solid—electrical engineering technicians have steady demand and clear career paths—but the value equation here depends entirely on whether this school offers something substantially different from the public alternatives nearby.

For a family sensitive to debt, the math is straightforward: if your child can access one of New York's community colleges offering this program, they'll likely reach the same career starting point with dramatically less financial burden. The estimated debt here isn't catastrophic, but it's roughly $15,000 more than necessary for this credential in this state.

Where Island Drafting and Technical Institute Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (36 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Island Drafting and Technical InstituteAmityville	$19,200	$49,652*	—	$28,782*	—
DeVry College of New YorkNew York	$17,488	$58,056*	$52,465	$28,782*	0.50
Monroe Community CollegeRochester	$5,856	$51,245*	$48,732	$13,250*	0.26
Onondaga Community CollegeSyracuse	$6,042	$48,058*	$68,806	$10,787*	0.22
CUNY Bronx Community CollegeBronx	$5,206	$31,273*	$74,233	—*	—
National Median	—	$54,852*	—	$14,710*	0.27

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering 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

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

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

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

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

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/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.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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 Island Drafting and Technical Institute, approximately 70% 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 median of 4 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.