Engineering Technology at Olympic College

Based on comparable engineering technology programs nationwide, Olympic College's associate degree suggests a solid technical path with modest financial risk. The estimated $13,834 in debt sits just above the national median, while first-year earnings of roughly $48,300 align precisely with what typical programs produce. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe less than three months of their first year's salary—a manageable burden that positions this as a practical credential rather than a gamble.

Washington's naval shipyards and aerospace manufacturing create strong demand for engineering technicians, which should work in this program's favor given Olympic College's location in Bremerton. The associate degree format keeps both time and cost investment reasonable compared to four-year engineering degrees, while still providing access to technician roles that pay middle-class wages from day one. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (16%) might suggest either a working adult student body or a community with fewer low-income students—both of which could indicate students viewing this as career advancement rather than first-time college attendance.

The main limitation here is uncertainty—with no reported outcomes from Washington peers, you're relying entirely on national patterns that may not capture regional advantages. But the fundamentals look sound: engineering technology programs consistently produce employed graduates, and the estimated debt load won't handicap your child's early career earnings.