Analysis
Weber State delivers exceptional outcomes in industrial production technology, with graduates earning $75,281 right out of the gate—26% above the national median for this degree. While Utah only has one program in this field, Weber State ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally, putting it ahead of nearly all competing programs across the country. The earnings trajectory looks solid too, climbing to $84,292 by year four, which represents meaningful career progression in manufacturing and production management roles.
The financial picture is particularly attractive. At $26,500 in median debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35—meaning they owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. That's well below the concerning 1.0 threshold and positions graduates to pay down loans quickly while building savings. The program sits in the 27th percentile for debt nationally, indicating lower borrowing than most comparable programs.
For parents considering this path, Weber State offers a straightforward value proposition: strong starting salaries in a technical field with room for growth, paired with manageable debt loads. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than outlier results. If your child has aptitude for manufacturing technology and production systems, this program delivers the kind of immediate earning power that makes a bachelor's degree pencil out financially.
Where Weber State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Weber State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | $75,281 | $84,292 | +12% |
| Central Connecticut State University | $74,889 | $84,550 | +13% |
| Ferris State University | $78,820 | $81,758 | +4% |
| Lamar University | $84,746 | $80,134 | -5% |
| Shawnee State University | $57,682 | $79,938 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,391 | $75,281 | $84,292 | $26,500 | 0.35 | |
| $4,656 | $85,411 | — | — | — | |
| $8,690 | $84,746 | $80,134 | $37,672 | 0.44 | |
| $11,075 | $78,938 | — | $18,250 | 0.23 | |
| $13,630 | $78,820 | $81,758 | $24,250 | 0.31 | |
| $9,992 | $78,215 | — | $20,500 | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $59,822 | — | $24,250 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
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 Weber State University, approximately 16% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.