Location: Petersburg, VA•In-State Tuition: $9,755•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,006•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 917
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,395
Est. from national median (46 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,220
Est. from national median (21 programs)

Analysis

Virginia State University's Electrical Engineering Technology program appears positioned around the national median for this field, with comparable programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings of $67,395 and typical debt loads of $26,220. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio represents about five months of gross salary—a manageable starting point that aligns with what's considered reasonable for a technical bachelor's degree.

The more uncertain factor here is whether VSU's specific outcomes match these national patterns. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants and an average SAT of 917, the student body differs significantly from many engineering technology programs. This could work in either direction: the school may be effectively serving students who face substantial barriers to technical careers, or outcomes might lag behind peers. The limited class sizes (triggering data suppression) also mean fewer alumni in the field to provide feedback or networking support.

For families considering this investment, the national benchmarks suggest solid potential—electrical engineering technicians are in steady demand, and the estimated debt burden won't handcuff a graduate. But without actual outcome data from VSU, you're betting that this specific program delivers results comparable to its peers. If your child has admission offers from programs with published outcomes, those would provide more certainty about return on investment.

Where Virginia State University Stands

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

Virginia State University (estimated ±10%)Other electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Virginia State UniversityPetersburg$9,755$67,395*—$26,220*—
DeVry University-VirginiaArlington$17,488$67,395*$75,968$53,062*0.79
National Median—$67,395*—$27,558*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering 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

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

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

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

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

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/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.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Virginia State University, approximately 71% 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 46 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.