Analysis
Keene State's Engineering Technology program faces a significant challenge: while it ranks at the 60th percentile among New Hampshire programs, graduates earn just $46,715 in their first year—placing them in the bottom 5% nationally for this degree. For context, the national median for engineering technology graduates is $66,626, meaning Keene State students start nearly $20,000 behind their peers at other schools. The $27,000 in typical debt is roughly average, but when paired with below-market earnings, the 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio becomes harder to justify compared to stronger programs in this field.
The 19% earnings growth to $55,727 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates still trail the national median significantly. For families considering this program, the key question is whether the regional focus and smaller class environment offset the earnings disadvantage. If your child is set on engineering technology and prefers staying in New Hampshire, this may be the practical choice—but if they're willing to look beyond state borders, other programs deliver substantially better financial outcomes for similar debt levels. The admit rate of 89% suggests accessibility, but that openness doesn't translate to competitive earning power in the broader job market.
Where Keene State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Keene State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keene State College | $46,715 | $55,727 | +19% |
| Maine Maritime Academy | $98,488 | $104,327 | +6% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $66,669 | $78,595 | +18% |
| East Carolina University | $72,022 | $78,175 | +9% |
| Old Dominion University | $70,620 | $75,927 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Keene State CollegeKeene | $14,710 | $46,715 | $55,727 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $115,589 | — | $27,000 | 0.23 |
 Maine Maritime AcademyCastine | $14,746 | $98,488 | $104,327 | $27,000 | 0.27 |
 Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach | $3,106 | $73,572 | $55,610 | $23,319 | 0.32 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $72,022 | $78,175 | $22,115 | 0.31 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $70,620 | $75,927 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $66,626 | — | $25,000 | 0.38 |
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 Keene State College, approximately 24% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.