Engineering Technology at Temple University

Temple's Engineering Technology program lands squarely in the middle of the pack, with first-year earnings of $57,665 placing it in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania programs and slightly below the national median of $60,529. The standout feature here is debt: graduates carry just $30,625—substantially less than many engineering programs and in the 7th percentile nationally, meaning 93% of similar programs leave students with more debt.

The math works reasonably well for families. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates earn nearly twice what they owe, and the 20% earnings growth to $69,195 by year four suggests steady career progression. Temple doesn't match Drexel's $66,431 starting salary, but the $3,766 earnings gap is partially offset by lighter debt loads. For students who can't access more selective programs or need to stay close to Philadelphia, this represents a workable path into technical roles.

The caveat is positioning: this program doesn't stand out either for exceptional earnings or remarkable affordability—it simply delivers solid middle-tier outcomes. Families should weigh whether Temple's accessible admissions (83% acceptance rate) and urban location matter more than chasing slightly higher salaries elsewhere. For students who need an engineering-adjacent credential without taking on crushing debt, it's a practical choice rather than an inspired one.