Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians at Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah's Environmental Control Technologies program delivers strong earning potential that significantly outperforms national standards, placing graduates at the 75th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $40,778—well above the national median of $36,015. However, the premium comes at a cost: while debt levels aren't excessive at $14,553, they're above the national median and represent exactly the New Jersey state median for this field.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 is quite reasonable, meaning graduates typically earn back their investment in under three years. More importantly, earnings growth is solid at 18% by year four, reaching $48,053. Among New Jersey's limited options for this program (only 9 schools statewide), this ranks in the 60th percentile—decent but not exceptional within the state. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes.
For parents considering this investment, the program offers a clear path to middle-class earnings in a stable field, with graduates earning more than three-quarters of their peers nationally. While you're paying a slight premium compared to national debt levels, the strong earning outcomes and manageable debt load make this a solid vocational choice that delivers on its promises.
Where Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all environmental control technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all environmental control technologies/technicians certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah | $40,778 | $48,053 | $14,553 | 0.36 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Union | $40,778 | $48,053 | $14,553 | 0.36 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin | $34,220 | $40,096 | $14,381 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $36,015 | — | $11,250 | 0.31 |
Other Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Union Union | — | $40,778 | $14,553 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin Iselin | — | $34,220 | $14,381 |
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 Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah, approximately 44% 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 765 graduates with reported earnings and 774 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.