Median Earnings (1yr)
$75,227
79th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$30,407
10% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Rochester Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rochester Institute of Technology$75,227$84,292+12%
CUNY New York City College of Technology$61,520$83,092+35%
SUNY Buffalo State University$71,894$82,564+15%
DeVry College of New York$67,395$75,968+13%
Farmingdale State College$53,729$75,888+41%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$75,227$84,292$30,4070.40
Excelsior UniversityAlbany$83,479$24,0730.29
SUNY Buffalo State UniversityBuffalo$8,486$71,894$82,564$28,0000.39
DeVry College of New YorkNew York$17,488$67,395$75,968$53,0620.79
CUNY New York City College of TechnologyBrooklyn$7,332$61,520$83,092
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale$8,576$53,729$75,888$15,5000.29
National Median$67,395$27,5580.41

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 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.