Analysis
Based on comparable engineering technology programs nationwide, this associate's degree appears to position graduates for solid technical careers, with estimated first-year earnings around $48,300 against roughly $13,800 in debt. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably in healthy territory—you're looking at manageable loan payments relative to what graduates typically earn right out of school.
The challenge here is that with 24 engineering technology programs across Florida and no reported graduate outcomes for any of them, you're operating on limited visibility. The national benchmark suggests this field generally produces reliable returns for an associate's degree, but you can't compare Pensacola State directly to its in-state competitors or know whether local employers favor graduates from this specific program. Engineering technology roles—which often involve hands-on work in manufacturing, product design, or quality control—vary significantly by regional industry presence.
For a two-year investment, the estimated numbers look reasonable. But given the data gaps, talk to current students or recent grads about job placement before committing. Find out which local employers recruit from this program and whether internships or co-op opportunities help students transition into full-time roles. The theoretical math works, but you need ground-level intel to confirm this particular program delivers.
Where Pensacola State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technology associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technology associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,348 | $48,321* | — | $13,834* | — | |
| $4,516 | $61,123* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,774 | $53,143* | $70,007 | $11,000* | 0.21 | |
| $4,550 | $52,531* | $59,650 | $13,865* | 0.26 | |
| $5,350 | $50,148* | — | $13,834* | 0.28 | |
| $4,046 | $46,493* | $38,281 | $18,000* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $48,320* | — | $12,917* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering technology graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
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 Pensacola State College, approximately 35% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.