Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Portland Community College

Portland Community College's Industrial Production Technologies program shows first-year earnings of $78,450—well above the national median of $56,704 for similar associate degrees. With estimated debt around $12,000 based on comparable programs at the school, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15, meaning the typical borrowing represents just over seven weeks of first-year income.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: income drops 8% by year four to $72,111. This downward trend is unusual for technical programs and could reflect several possibilities—graduates moving into different roles, Oregon's economic cycles in manufacturing, or simply the volatility that comes from tracking smaller cohorts over time. The state percentile at 60th suggests this program performs solidly within Oregon, though outcomes vary considerably across the state's 10 similar programs.

For families comfortable with an estimated debt picture rather than reported outcomes specific to Portland CC, the strong first-year earnings and low debt load create favorable math. The earnings decline deserves scrutiny—ask the program about typical career paths and whether graduates tend to pursue further education or transition into related fields. If first-year earnings hold steady in reality, this represents a strong return on a modest investment.