Engineering Technology at Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University's Engineering Technology program graduates earn more than most competing programs right out of the gate—$64,762 after one year puts them at the 75th percentile nationally and solidly above the state median. Among Illinois's seven Engineering Technology programs, this slots in around the 60th percentile, trailing only Northern Illinois while delivering meaningfully stronger outcomes than Illinois State. The $32,373 in typical debt sits at just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with less debt.

Here's the tension: those higher earnings come with higher debt—about $5,000 more than the state median and $6,000 above the national benchmark. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 means graduates spend half their first year's salary paying down loans, which is manageable but not exceptional for engineering fields. The 13% earnings growth to nearly $73,000 by year four suggests solid career progression, though nothing spectacular.

For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers competitive earnings that justify the moderate debt premium, especially compared to cheaper alternatives that produce lower-earning graduates. The value proposition works if your student prioritizes near-term earning power over minimizing debt, but families particularly sensitive to borrowing costs might find better debt-to-earnings balance at Northern Illinois, which matches these outcomes at lower cost.