Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Similar programs across New York suggest first-year earnings around $54,000 for this bachelor's in Computer Engineering Technology, paired with an estimated $25,000 in debt—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that compares favorably to many technical programs. That's a manageable starting point, though it's worth noting this field shows dramatic variation within the state, with top programs like RIT producing graduates earning $73,000 and even the nearby public option at Farmingdale reaching $58,000.

The challenge here is understanding where Alfred's graduates actually land within that range. Based on peer programs nationally, the estimated earnings sit right at the state median but well above the $48,829 national figure, suggesting New York's tech market provides an advantage. The relatively lower debt estimate—about $6,000 below the state median—helps offset the uncertainty around actual outcomes. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, this represents a real pathway into technology careers for students without significant family resources.

For parents, the key question is whether this specific program delivers outcomes closer to the state median or the higher end seen at similar SUNY tech campuses. The fundamentals look reasonable—under half a year's salary in debt for a technical field with solid demand—but without actual graduate data, you're making a bet on Alfred's particular industry connections and curriculum strength. If your student has strong alternatives with reported outcomes, those provide more certainty about return on investment.