Engineering Technology at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 is relatively manageable in the technical trades, and that's what similar engineering technology programs across the country suggest for Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Based on national data from comparable associate's programs, graduates typically earn around $48,300 in their first year and carry roughly $13,800 in debt. That means the estimated debt load equals less than three months of gross salary—a threshold that makes repayment feasible even on an entry-level technician's wages.

Washington's engineering sector offers strong opportunities, particularly in the aerospace and tech manufacturing clusters around Seattle, though we can't verify how this specific program's graduates fare compared to the other eight associate's programs in the state. The national benchmark suggests these programs produce fairly consistent outcomes, with top performers earning around $52,700 in year one. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (12%) might indicate this program attracts students with existing family resources or those making strategic career pivots.

For a two-year technical credential, the estimated numbers point to reasonable value if your child is committed to hands-on engineering work. The debt is modest enough that it shouldn't dictate career choices for the next decade. Before enrolling, contact the program directly to learn about their specific employer partnerships and job placement—those connections matter more than the credential itself when launching a technical career.