Analysis
Based on comparable electrical engineering technology programs in New York, this associate degree appears to deliver solid technical training at a manageable cost. The estimated $12,063 in debt sits below both state and national medians for this field, while first-year earnings around $49,652 align with the state median—suggesting SUNY Adirondack's program performs similarly to peer institutions. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, graduates would theoretically need less than three months of gross income to cover their educational debt, a relatively favorable position for a two-year technical degree.
The estimated earnings fall about $5,000 short of the national median, which reflects New York's regional variation in this field—some SUNY and CUNY community colleges report similar outcomes, while a few programs like DeVry's reach the high $50,000s. For students planning to stay in upstate New York rather than pursue positions in higher-cost metro areas, this difference matters less than it might appear. The bigger question is whether graduates can access the skilled trades positions that justify even moderate debt, particularly in the Adirondack region's smaller industrial base.
Given that 41% of students receive Pell grants, the lower debt burden here is meaningful—it suggests the college keeps costs reasonable for working-class families. Just recognize these figures come from similar programs statewide, not SUNY Adirondack's actual graduate outcomes, so individual results will vary based on local employer demand and career trajectory.
Where SUNY Adirondack Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,528 | $49,652* | — | $12,063* | — | |
| $17,488 | $58,056* | $52,465 | $28,782* | 0.50 | |
| $5,856 | $51,245* | $48,732 | $13,250* | 0.26 | |
| $6,042 | $48,058* | $68,806 | $10,787* | 0.22 | |
| $5,206 | $31,273* | $74,233 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $54,852* | — | $14,710* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 SUNY Adirondack, approximately 41% 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 median of 4 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.