Analysis
Kean University's electrical engineering technology program appears positioned squarely at the national middle for this field, with peer programs across the country suggesting first-year earnings around $67,000. The estimated $26,000 debt load—derived from similar bachelor's programs at Kean—translates to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months' salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a technical field that typically offers steady advancement opportunities.
What's worth noting is the limited data available: only three New Jersey schools offer this bachelor's program, and none have sufficient graduate cohorts for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. This scarcity could signal either a specialized niche or simply small enrollment numbers. The estimated debt figure here is notably lower than New Jersey's state median of $53,000 for this program, though that comparison involves very few schools and should be taken with appropriate caution.
For families evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look solid based on what comparable programs produce nationally. A sub-0.40 debt ratio in an engineering-adjacent field typically allows graduates to manage their loans while building careers. The real question is whether this specific program connects students to New Jersey's technical employers—something best assessed through internship placements and job placement rates rather than these estimated earnings figures alone.
Where Kean University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,426 | $67,395* | — | $26,220* | — | |
| $17,488 | $67,395* | $75,968 | $53,062* | 0.79 | |
| National Median | — | $67,395* | — | $27,558* | 0.41 |
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 Kean University, approximately 46% 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 46 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.