Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,341
72nd percentile
Est. Median Debt
$25,500
Est. from national median (39 programs)

Analysis

Starting around $65,000 positions University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's mechanical engineering technology program above most similar bachelor's programs nationally, matching what the main Pittsburgh campus reports for the same field. That's a meaningful advantage in a specialized technical discipline where earnings can vary widely depending on regional industry connections and curriculum focus.

The estimated $25,500 debt load—derived from comparable programs at similar institutions—would translate to monthly payments around $280 on a standard plan, roughly 5% of take-home pay at these earning levels. That's a manageable burden, especially for a technical degree that appears to maintain steady demand in the Pennsylvania market. The modest 5% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates quickly find their salary floor rather than starting in apprentice-level roles, which makes sense for hands-on engineering technology work.

What's harder to predict without program-specific data is how reliably Pitt-Johnstown produces these outcomes. The school's 96% acceptance rate and moderately selective profile suggest it's accessible to students across achievement levels, but whether this particular program consistently places graduates in the $65,000+ positions its peer group achieves remains an open question. If your student has strong mechanical aptitude and prefers applied engineering work to theoretical study, the estimated financial picture looks solid—just recognize you're betting on this campus matching what similar programs typically deliver rather than what its own graduates have demonstrably achieved.

Where University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown$65,341$68,352+5%
Rochester Institute of Technology$69,261$82,078+19%
LeTourneau University$52,625$81,997+56%
Eastern Michigan University$49,799$80,179+61%
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus$65,341$68,352+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Pittsburgh-JohnstownJohnstown$14,646$65,341$68,352$25,500*—
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$65,341$68,352—*—
Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport$17,940$53,234—$27,000*0.51
National Median—$62,503—$27,000*0.43
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 Pittsburgh-Johnstown, approximately 29% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 14 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.