Architectural Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates this architectural technology program with notably high debt compared to national peers—$27,000 versus the typical $18,500—yet their first-year earnings of $41,418 fall slightly below both state and national benchmarks. That debt level places this program in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning graduates carry more debt than 95% of similar programs across the country.
The concerning part isn't just the debt amount, but what graduates are getting for it. At 40th percentile for earnings both statewide and nationally, students here are paying premium prices for below-average outcomes. Nearby Thaddeus Stevens College produces graduates earning $43,244—about $1,800 more annually—likely with less debt burden. The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means new graduates will be dedicating a meaningful chunk of early career earnings to loan payments.
An important caveat: with fewer than 30 recent graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Still, the pattern of above-average debt for below-average earnings should make parents ask hard questions about cost. For Pennsylvania families considering architectural technology programs, this appears to be the most expensive path to middling outcomes in a state with limited alternatives.
Where Pennsylvania College of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all architectural sciences and technology associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 40th percentile of all architectural sciences and technology associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Architectural Sciences and Technology associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | $41,418 | — | $27,000 | 0.65 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | $43,244 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $42,331 | — | $18,500 | 0.44 |
Other Architectural Sciences and Technology Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster | $9,050 | $43,244 | — |
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 Pennsylvania College of Technology, approximately 32% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.