Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver's mechanical engineering technology program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings—a remarkable outcome from a nearly open-admission university. First-year earnings of $72,334 crush both the national median ($62,503) and Colorado's state median ($49,827) by substantial margins. Even more impressive: this program outperforms Colorado's other options by at least $20,000 annually, making it the clear earnings leader among the state's three programs despite carrying similar debt levels.

The $32,000 in median debt sits right at Colorado's state median for this major, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates can reasonably pay this off in well under two years of work—an excellent position for an engineering technology degree. Earnings growth to $76,047 by year four is modest but steady, and graduates are entering a strong Colorado manufacturing and aerospace sector where these skills command premium pay.

For Colorado families, this represents exceptional value: nearly open admission, reasonable debt, and earnings that outperform every comparable in-state program. The moderate sample size suggests this is a smaller, focused program, but the results speak clearly. If your student wants hands-on engineering work and plans to stay in Colorado, this program delivers measurably better career outcomes than the alternatives.