Analysis
Temple's civil engineering technology program shows a reassuring trajectory even though we're working with estimated figures. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year graduates typically earn around $59,000, with documented earnings climbing to $77,000 by year four—a 30% increase that suggests solid career progression in the field. The estimated debt load of $27,500 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans with roughly half a year's salary.
What makes this picture more credible is how closely it tracks with actual reported outcomes from similar programs. Pennsylvania College of Technology, the only peer school with published data, reports first-year earnings of $58,752—nearly identical to Temple's estimated figure. The estimated debt also aligns with both state and national medians for engineering technology programs, suggesting Temple's cost structure isn't an outlier.
The practical takeaway: while the small graduate cohort means we can't verify Temple's specific outcomes, the estimated earnings and four-year data point to a program that should deliver reasonable value. Engineering technology credentials generally translate to tangible job prospects, and the mid-year-four earnings suggest employers value the work experience these graduates accumulate. Just recognize you're making this decision with less certainty than programs where actual graduate outcomes are published.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | — | $77,030 | — |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | $62,138 | $76,106 | +22% |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $62,552 | $74,991 | +20% |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $62,090 | $72,048 | +16% |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | $58,752 | $58,910 | +0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $59,382* | $77,030 | $27,500* | — |
 Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport | $17,940 | $58,752* | $58,910 | $27,000* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $59,382* | — | $28,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering technologies/technicians graduates
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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 12 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.