Engineering Technology at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Three comparable engineering technology programs in Illinois form the basis for these estimates, and they suggest solid middle-class outcomes. First-year earnings around $62,000 put graduates right at the state median for this field and slightly above the national benchmark of $60,500. The estimated debt of $27,300 translates to a manageable 0.44 ratio—meaning roughly five months of gross pay to cover what's borrowed, which falls well within the one-year-salary rule of thumb that financial advisors typically recommend.

What's harder to gauge is whether SIU-Carbondale specifically delivers on par with programs at Western Illinois or Northern Illinois, which anchor the state's reported outcomes. The school's 90% admission rate and below-average SAT scores don't necessarily predict weaker career results in applied technical fields, but they do mean you're betting on a program's industry connections and hands-on training rather than institutional prestige. Engineering technology roles—distinct from traditional engineering—emphasize practical implementation over theoretical design, and employer demand in Illinois manufacturing and construction tends to value skills over pedigree.

The numbers suggest this program won't saddle your child with crushing debt while offering entry into stable technical careers. But confirm that SIU's specific program has strong internship pipelines and employer relationships in your target region, since those connections matter more than the degree name when estimated figures are all you have to work with.