Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Pennsylvania College of Technology

Starting at $53,234 puts Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates roughly $12,000 behind the typical Pennsylvania graduate in this field—a significant gap that places this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. With only four schools in Pennsylvania offering this bachelor's degree, the comparison is stark: Pitt's campuses report median earnings of $65,341, nearly 23% higher for the same credential and similar debt load.

The debt itself isn't unreasonable at $27,000 (matching both state and national medians), but the below-average earnings create a less favorable picture than families might expect from an engineering technology degree. Nationally, this program sits in the 17th percentile—meaning 83% of comparable programs produce better first-year earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is manageable, but that's cold comfort when the baseline earnings fall short of what's typical in Pennsylvania's market for mechanical engineering technicians.

For a Pennsylvania family, this creates a difficult equation. If staying in-state is the priority and cost is similar across options, the earnings gap with Pitt's programs represents roughly $12,000 annually—money that could accelerate debt repayment or build savings. The program serves a meaningful population (32% Pell recipients), but families should weigh whether this particular credential delivers competitive value in Pennsylvania's job market.