Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Stark State College

The $109,198 starting salary here is extraordinary—nearly double both the state and national median for electrical engineering technology programs. Among Ohio's 32 schools offering this degree, Stark State ranks at the very top, and nationally it beats 95% of comparable programs. With just $11,083 in median debt, graduates have a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about five weeks of work. That's an exceptional return on investment for a two-year degree.

The catch? These numbers come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), which means they could reflect an unusually strong cohort rather than consistent outcomes. A few graduates landing premium positions—perhaps at specialized industrial facilities in Northeast Ohio—could easily skew the average this high. Still, even if actual typical earnings are closer to the $58,000 state median, the low debt burden makes this program low-risk.

For parents weighing options, this looks like a strong bet if your student wants hands-on technical work. Two-year programs in manufacturing-heavy regions like Ohio often connect directly to well-paying industrial jobs, and Stark State's placement outcomes suggest strong employer relationships. Just recognize the reported salary might represent best-case scenarios rather than what every graduate earns.