Analysis
A $27,000 debt load for a civil engineering degree that produces $70,000 in first-year earnings represents a solid financial foundation, though both figures for this specific program are estimates drawn from peer schools across Pennsylvania. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross earnings—a comfortable position that should allow for reasonable standard of living while managing repayment.
The estimated earnings align precisely with Pennsylvania's median for civil engineering programs and sit just above the national benchmark of $69,574. While graduates from elite programs like Bucknell or Lehigh command higher starting salaries, similar Pennsylvania programs typically produce outcomes in this range, suggesting competitive placement for mid-tier engineering schools. Civil engineering remains a professionally licensed field with established career pathways, and starting near $70,000 provides room for typical career progression in infrastructure design, construction management, or municipal engineering.
The real question is whether Pennsylvania College of Technology delivers outcomes comparable to the state averages used here. With one-third of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that particularly needs strong employment results. If actual outcomes match these estimates, the investment pencils out well for engineering—but the suppressed data means families are making this decision without seeing this school's specific track record.
Where Pennsylvania College of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (17 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport | $17,940 | $70,391* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Bucknell UniversityLewisburg | $64,772 | $80,231* | $78,184 | $27,000* | 0.34 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $73,545* | $81,375 | $27,000* | 0.37 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,087* | $78,509 | $31,000* | 0.43 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $71,525* | $78,003 | $27,000* | 0.38 |
 Lafayette CollegeEaston | $62,574 | $70,391* | $88,494 | $16,000* | 0.23 |
| National Median | — | $69,574* | — | $24,500* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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.
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 median of 9 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.