Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians at Milwaukee Area Technical College

The numbers here look solid, even accounting for the fact that they're drawn from peer programs rather than verified MATC graduates. An estimated $12,000 in debt for a degree that should yield over $60,000 in first-year earnings gives you a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20—low enough that loan payments won't dominate your child's early paychecks. Similar programs in Wisconsin cluster tightly around these figures, with top performers at Waukesha and Southwest Wisconsin hitting $65,000, suggesting this field delivers relatively consistent outcomes across the state.

The progression from year one to year four—jumping from roughly $61,500 to $73,147—indicates real wage growth as technicians gain experience and specialized skills. Electromechanical maintenance sits at the intersection of electrical and mechanical systems, creating demand in manufacturing, automation, and industrial settings throughout Wisconsin's economy. The 41% Pell grant rate at MATC means this program serves plenty of students from working-class backgrounds, and the debt burden remains light enough to make that risk reasonable.

Without program-specific data from MATC itself, you're relying on state averages that suggest competent preparation rather than standout performance. But the financial fundamentals work: your child could realistically handle the debt load on a technician's salary while building toward higher earnings. If they're mechanically inclined and interested in hands-on technical work, the numbers support the investment.