Median Earnings (1yr)
$75,227
79th percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$30,407
10% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.40
Manageable
Sample Size
31
Adequate data

Analysis

RIT's Electrical Engineering Technology graduates start at $75,000—well above both national and New York state medians for this program—and see solid growth to $84,000 by year four. This places them in the top quarter nationally, though within New York they rank around the middle of the pack, trailing only Excelsior University and SUNY Buffalo State among comparable programs. For a school with a 71% admission rate, these are strong outcomes that reflect RIT's reputation for technical programs.

The $30,407 in median debt translates to just 40% of first-year earnings, a manageable burden that most graduates can handle comfortably. This debt load sits near the national median for engineering technology programs, meaning students aren't overpaying relative to peer institutions. The 12% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are gaining valuable experience and moving into higher-responsibility roles, which is exactly what you want to see.

The real consideration here is cost versus alternatives: SUNY Buffalo State delivers similar outcomes with likely lower in-state tuition, while Excelsior grads earn notably more. But RIT's moderate sample size and consistent performance indicate this is a reliable pathway into skilled technical work. For students drawn to RIT's co-op program and hands-on culture, the investment makes sense—you're paying for proven industry connections and career preparation, not just a credential.

Where Rochester Institute of Technology Stands

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

Rochester Institute of TechnologyOther electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Rochester Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rochester Institute of Technology$75,227$84,292$30,4070.40
Excelsior University$83,479$24,0730.29
SUNY Buffalo State University$71,894$82,564$28,0000.39
DeVry College of New York$67,395$75,968$53,0620.79
CUNY New York City College of Technology$61,520$83,092
Farmingdale State College$53,729$75,888$15,5000.29
National Median$67,395$27,5580.41

Other Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Excelsior University
Albany
$83,479$24,073
SUNY Buffalo State University
Buffalo
$8,486$71,894$28,000
DeVry College of New York
New York
$17,488$67,395$53,062
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn
$7,332$61,520
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale
$8,576$53,729$15,500

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 Rochester Institute of Technology, approximately 26% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.