Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree) at South Dakota State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$67,395

Est. from national median (46 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,220

Est. from national median (21 programs)

Analysis

South Dakota State's Electrical Engineering Technology program appears positioned in solid technical credential territory, with peer programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings around $67,400 against estimated debt of $26,200. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to roughly five months of gross income to cover what graduates typically owe—a manageable number that falls well below the 1.0 threshold where debt becomes burdensome.

The figures here come from comparable bachelor's programs nationwide since SDSU's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. What we can say is that electrical engineering technology sits in a practical sweet spot: it's engineering-adjacent work that commands real wages without requiring a traditional four-year engineering degree's theoretical coursework. The nearly universal admission rate suggests this program serves a broad range of students, many seeking direct pathways into industrial, manufacturing, or utility sector jobs.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamental question is whether their student wants hands-on technical work rather than design engineering. If so, the estimated debt load appears reasonable given typical starting salaries in this field. The lack of in-state comparisons means you're essentially betting on SDSU's ability to deliver outcomes similar to national peers—a proposition that hinges on the school's industry connections and lab facilities rather than its academic selectivity.

Where South Dakota State University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings	$9,299	$67,395*	—	$26,220*	—
University of Arkansas GranthamLIttle Rock	$8,280	$87,606*	—	$32,109*	0.37
Excelsior UniversityAlbany	—	$83,479*	—	$24,073*	0.29
Wayne State UniversityDetroit	$14,297	$82,524*	$94,247	$33,351*	0.40
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater	$10,234	$78,417*	—	$26,220*	0.33
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$78,185*	$76,028	$27,000*	0.35
National Median	—	$67,395*	—	$27,558*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

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 South Dakota State University, approximately 16% 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 46 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.