Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Shoreline Community College

Based on comparable programs nationwide, this associate's degree path suggests modest debt paired with solid first-year earnings in a field with steady demand. With an estimated $11,875 in loans leading to roughly $55,500 in first-year earnings, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 falls comfortably within what financial experts consider manageable territory—you'd be looking at monthly payments around $130 on a ten-year plan, which represents less than 3% of gross monthly income.

The challenge here is that limited enrollment has prevented the Department of Education from publishing outcomes specific to Shoreline's program. Those $55,500 earnings reflect the national median across nearly 30 similar programs, meaning actual outcomes could vary considerably based on factors like local labor market conditions and industry connections. Washington's industrial equipment sector—particularly around shipping, construction, and aerospace—generally pays above-average wages, which could work in your child's favor, but without reported data from any of the state's ten programs offering this degree, it's impossible to confirm whether Washington graduates outperform the national average.

The practical takeaway: if your child has mechanical aptitude and interest in hands-on work, this program type typically produces a favorable debt-to-earnings balance. However, before committing to Shoreline specifically, contact their placement office directly to learn where recent graduates have landed jobs and at what starting wages—this will tell you far more than estimated figures ever could.