Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State's electrical engineering technology program graduates carry remarkably light debt loads—just $9,200 compared to nearly $19,000 at the typical New Jersey program—but earnings lag behind both state and national benchmarks. At $52,977 in first-year earnings, graduates make about $2,500 less than peers elsewhere in New Jersey and slightly trail the national median. Within the state, this places the program at the 40th percentile, meaning most comparable New Jersey programs produce higher initial earnings.

The debt picture offers a crucial counterbalance. That $9,200 debt burden translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.17, meaning graduates owe less than two months of their first-year salary. The strong 26% earnings growth to $66,751 by year four also suggests solid career trajectory once graduates gain experience. For comparison, DeVry's New Jersey program starts graduates at $58,056 but typically comes with significantly higher debt.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift substantially with more data. But the core trade-off appears consistent: lower starting pay in exchange for minimal debt burden. For families prioritizing debt avoidance and who understand the lower initial earnings, this program delivers on keeping costs manageable while still providing entry into a technical field with decent growth potential.