Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,312
Est. from national median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,387
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 positions this program in favorable territory, though both figures come from national peer programs rather than Montgomery County Community College's actual graduate outcomes. With estimated first-year earnings around $48,300 and debt near $15,400, graduates from similar mechanical engineering technology programs typically see their educational investment pay off relatively quickly compared to many other associate degree paths.

Pennsylvania has a dozen schools offering this credential, but none report sufficient data publicly, making it difficult to assess how Montgomery County specifically compares to in-state alternatives. What we do know from the national picture is that mechanical engineering technology programs at community colleges generally produce consistent outcomes—the spread between typical programs and top performers isn't enormous, suggesting this field rewards the credential and skills more than the specific school name.

For families concerned about ROI, the estimated numbers suggest manageable debt for the earning potential, but the lack of school-specific data means you're making this decision somewhat blind. Before committing, contact the college directly about their job placement rates and typical employer partners. The 29% Pell grant rate indicates a working-class student body, which often correlates with programs focused on practical employment outcomes rather than four-year transfer pathways.

Where Montgomery County Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell$6,270$48,312*$15,387*
ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach$18,484$64,003*$29,810*0.47
Owens Community CollegePerrysburg$5,750$61,021*$68,217$12,000*0.20
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$56,819*$69,603$18,500*0.33
Springfield Technical Community CollegeSpringfield$5,520$54,793*$60,177$7,395*0.13
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$52,177*$64,950$22,582*0.43
National Median$48,312*$15,387*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 Montgomery County Community College, approximately 29% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 13 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.