Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NC State's Environmental Control Technologies program graduates start modestly at $48,000, but here's what matters most for North Carolina families: this sits squarely at the state median while carrying slightly less debt than typical in-state alternatives. With only four NC schools offering this specialized program, your options are limited—and among them, NC State performs comparably to competitors like Appalachian State while offering the advantages of a more selective institution (40% admission rate, 1380 average SAT).

The 31% earnings growth to $63,000 by year four suggests the degree builds valuable skills over time, though nationally this program trails the $56,000 median. The debt load of $21,000 is reasonable, translating to manageable monthly payments that first-year earnings can comfortably cover. For context, NC State students carry slightly less debt than the state average for this program.

The major caveat: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. If your child is genuinely committed to environmental control work and prefers staying in North Carolina, this program offers solid value at a respected public university. But if they're uncertain about the field or willing to consider out-of-state options, explore higher-earning programs elsewhere—the 26th national percentile ranking suggests stronger alternatives exist beyond North Carolina's borders.