Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,395
Est. from national median (46 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,220
Est. from national median (21 programs)

Analysis

Pittsburg State's engineering technology program appears to offer a manageable financial path based on what we see from peer programs nationally. The estimated $26,220 in debt sits below the national median for similar bachelor's degrees, while first-year earnings around $67,400 produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary. This suggests a reasonable payback timeline if actual outcomes align with these benchmarks.

What complicates this picture is the limited data availability. With only two schools in Kansas offering this program and no reported outcomes from either, we're working entirely from national patterns. Engineering technology programs typically produce solid technical careers, but outcomes vary significantly based on local industry demand and whether graduates pursue licensure or further credentials. The 88% admission rate and moderate test scores suggest this isn't a highly selective program, which could mean either accessibility or less competitive placement—the actual graduate outcomes would clarify which.

For parents considering this investment, the key question is whether Pittsburg State's specific industry connections and placement record justify the estimated debt load. Request actual job placement data and alumni outcomes from the department directly. The fundamentals look reasonable based on comparable programs, but you need school-specific evidence to confirm whether this particular program delivers on the promise that similar ones across the country do.

Where Pittsburg State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg$8,008$67,395*$26,220*
University of Arkansas GranthamLIttle Rock$8,280$87,606*$32,109*0.37
Excelsior UniversityAlbany$83,479*$24,073*0.29
Wayne State UniversityDetroit$14,297$82,524*$94,247$33,351*0.40
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$78,417*$26,220*0.33
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$78,185*$76,028$27,000*0.35
National Median$67,395*$27,558*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Pittsburg State University, 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 national median of 46 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.