Analysis
University of Houston's Electrical Engineering Technology program delivers strong returns that significantly outpace national norms, with first-year graduates earning $74,835—beating the national median by $7,400 and landing in the 77th percentile nationwide. The debt load of $23,750 is notably lower than typical programs (which average $27,558), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32. That means graduates owe roughly four months of first-year salary, a manageable burden that allows for faster financial independence.
Within Texas, the program sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, but that's misleading context—Texas is home to only eight programs, including Texas A&M's flagship offering. UH graduates earn just $3,350 less than A&M grads initially while avoiding the hyper-competitive admissions process. The 13% earnings growth to $84,300 by year four demonstrates solid career progression, and Houston's robust energy and manufacturing sectors provide natural career pathways for engineering technologists.
For families seeking practical engineering education without the stress of single-digit admission rates, this program offers compelling value. The combination of above-average earnings, below-average debt, and Houston's accessible 70% admission rate makes it a smart choice for students interested in hands-on technical work rather than theoretical engineering research.
Where University of Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | $74,835 | $84,300 | +13% |
| Wayne State University | $82,524 | $94,247 | +14% |
| California State University-Chico | $77,965 | $86,447 | +11% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $78,185 | $76,028 | -3% |
| DeVry University-Texas | $67,395 | $75,968 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,711 | $74,835 | $84,300 | $23,750 | 0.32 | |
| $13,099 | $78,185 | $76,028 | $27,000 | 0.35 | |
| $17,488 | $67,395 | $75,968 | $53,062 | 0.79 | |
| National Median | — | $67,395 | — | $27,558 | 0.41 |
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 University of Houston, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 46 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.