Analysis
Valencia College's Engineering Technology associate's degree appears positioned near the national median based on comparable programs nationwide. With estimated first-year earnings around $48,300 and debt near $13,800, this program aligns closely with the typical outcomes for similar two-year engineering technology credentials across the country. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden for a technical associate's degree that can lead to hands-on engineering support roles.
The challenge here is uncertainty. While 187 schools nationally offer this program, the lack of reported outcomes from Valencia specifically—or from any of Florida's 24 engineering technology programs—makes it difficult to assess how this particular school's curriculum, industry connections, and local job market translate into real results. Nationally, the top quarter of these programs produce earnings above $52,600, suggesting significant variation in outcomes depending on the school and its regional opportunities. Orlando's aerospace and simulation industries could provide strong placement prospects, but without actual graduate data, that remains speculative.
For families considering this path, the estimated figures suggest a viable investment if your child is committed to engineering technology work. However, the absence of concrete outcomes data means you're betting on Valencia's reputation and Orlando's job market rather than proven results. Before enrolling, talk to program faculty about recent graduate placements and industry partnerships to gauge whether this specific program delivers on the national benchmarks.
Where Valencia College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technology associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technology associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,474 | $48,321* | — | $13,834* | — | |
| $4,516 | $61,123* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,774 | $53,143* | $70,007 | $11,000* | 0.21 | |
| $4,550 | $52,531* | $59,650 | $13,865* | 0.26 | |
| $5,350 | $50,148* | — | $13,834* | 0.28 | |
| $4,046 | $46,493* | $38,281 | $18,000* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $48,320* | — | $12,917* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering technology graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
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 Valencia College, approximately 39% 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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.