Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree) at Norfolk State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$67,395

Est. from national median (46 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,220

Est. from national median (21 programs)

Analysis

A projected debt load of $26,220 for engineering technology training that typically leads to nearly $68,000 in first-year earnings represents a manageable financial start. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income—well below the threshold where student debt becomes problematic.

What makes this estimate particularly relevant is Norfolk State's student demographics. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are weighing college costs more carefully than at wealthier institutions. The fact that comparable electrical engineering technology programs nationally produce both these earnings and this debt level suggests the field offers genuine upward mobility. These aren't computer science salaries, but they're solid middle-class incomes for technical work that doesn't require an advanced degree.

The caveat is that these figures come from peer programs nationally, not tracked outcomes from Norfolk State specifically. Virginia has only three schools offering this degree, limiting state-level comparison. If your child is mechanically inclined and prefers hands-on technical work to pure engineering theory, the financial proposition looks sound based on what similar programs deliver. The risk is mainly whether they'll complete the degree and enter the field—engineering technology has real rigor, even if it's more applied than traditional engineering.

Where Norfolk State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (3 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk	$9,910	$67,395*	—	$26,220*	—
DeVry University-VirginiaArlington	$17,488	$67,395*	$75,968	$53,062*	0.79
National Median	—	$67,395*	—	$27,558*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering 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

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

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

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

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

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/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.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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 Norfolk State University, approximately 62% 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 46 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.