Analysis
An estimated debt load of $13,834 against first-year earnings around $48,321 suggests this two-year program could deliver reasonable value—assuming these peer-program benchmarks translate to Pueblo Community College's actual outcomes. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year salary, which is manageable territory for an associate's degree in a technical field.
The estimated earnings figure comes from similar engineering technology programs nationwide, where the typical graduate earns around $48,320 in their first year. Colorado has only three schools offering this credential, and none report enough graduates for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes, making it difficult to assess how this program stacks up regionally. What we can say is that engineering technology associate's degrees generally prepare students for hands-on technical roles—drafters, technicians, manufacturing specialists—where Colorado's advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors offer real opportunities.
The practical question is whether Pueblo Community College's specific curriculum and employer connections will produce results similar to the national pattern. With limited data transparency in Colorado's engineering technology landscape, parents should dig into job placement rates, which employers recruit from the program, and whether graduates are finding work that actually requires this credential. The debt estimate seems reasonable for a community college, but you're making this decision largely on faith in peer-program outcomes rather than this school's proven track record.
Where Pueblo Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,883 | $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 Pueblo Community College, approximately 28% 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.