Est. Earnings (1yr)
$58,261
Est. from national median (57 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,000
Est. from national median (28 programs)

Analysis

A 21-cent debt-to-earnings ratio positions Stark State's electromechanical program favorably, even if the specifics remain uncertain. With estimated first-year earnings around $58,000 against roughly $12,000 in debt, graduates from similar programs typically manage their borrowing comfortably. The national landscape shows considerable variation—top programs produce earnings exceeding $65,000—but Stark State's estimated figures track close to both state and national medians for this technical field, suggesting competitiveness within Ohio's industrial corridor.

The challenge here is visibility rather than viability. Because actual graduate outcomes aren't published due to small cohort sizes, you're evaluating this program through the lens of peer institutions rather than proven track record. Cincinnati State's reported earnings of nearly $62,000 demonstrate what's achievable in Ohio's industrial maintenance sector, and there's no reason Stark State couldn't produce similar results given the region's manufacturing presence. The modest estimated debt load—roughly one-fifth of first-year income—provides breathing room even if actual outcomes lag slightly behind projections.

For families seeking skilled trades credentials in northeast Ohio, this program appears financially sound based on comparable offerings. The real question is whether this specific campus delivers the employer connections and hands-on training that turn technical credentials into those $60,000 jobs—information the limited data can't answer.

Where Stark State College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (24 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Stark State CollegeNorth Canton$4,670$58,261*—$12,000*—
Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati$5,400$61,788*$67,400$11,000*0.18
University of Northwestern OhioLima$12,930$57,345*—$13,084*0.23
National Median—$58,261*—$13,084*0.22
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians graduates

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

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

Medical Equipment Repairers

Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.

$62,630/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

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.

Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other

All precision instrument and equipment repairers not listed separately.

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 Stark State College, approximately 27% 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 57 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.