Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Pittsburgh Technical College

Pittsburgh Technical College's Computer Engineering Tech program significantly outperforms other Pennsylvania options, landing in the 80th percentile statewide—graduates here earn $47,311 by year four compared to Pennsylvania's typical $31,950 for this degree. That $15,000 gap matters enormously for an associate's program, especially when the $20,000 debt load matches the state average. Nationally, the program sits near the middle of the pack, but for Pennsylvania families prioritizing in-state options, this represents one of the stronger choices available.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates typically owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable position that improves as earnings climb 8% by year four. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the college serves many families where every dollar of earnings potential counts. The robust sample size confirms these aren't anomalies—this is what typical graduates actually earn.

For Pennsylvania residents considering associate's programs in computer engineering technology, this program delivers substantially better outcomes than most state alternatives. The combination of reasonable debt and earnings that exceed state norms by nearly 50% creates a genuine pathway to tech careers without the premium price tag of a bachelor's degree.