Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at North Carolina A & T State University

The most striking aspect of this program isn't the below-average starting salary—it's the dramatic 55% earnings jump by year four, reaching $73,273. That trajectory suggests graduates may start in technician roles before moving into engineering positions, which could explain why first-year earnings land at just the 25th percentile among North Carolina's four electrical engineering technology programs. By year four, however, graduates are out-earning the state median and approaching the 75th percentile nationally.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $36,239, graduates carry about $10,000 more than typical for this program in North Carolina, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 remains manageable given the strong earnings growth. Still, that first year will be tight—$47,422 doesn't leave much breathing room after loan payments begin. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty; a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly in either direction.

If your child is patient and willing to grind through a modest starting salary, the four-year outlook justifies the investment. But the initial financial squeeze is real, especially compared to UNC Charlotte's program where graduates earn $19,000 more right out of the gate with less debt. This program rewards persistence, not immediate payoff.