Analysis
Similar engineering technology associate's programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $48,300 and debt near $14,000—a combination that puts Wright State-Lake in reasonable territory with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.3. That's manageable by conventional standards, meaning graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a few years if they land typical entry-level positions in manufacturing, construction support, or technical operations.
The challenge here is the absence of actual outcome data for this specific campus. With only 16% of students receiving Pell grants—well below typical community college levels—this Lake Campus program appears to serve a different demographic than many two-year engineering technology tracks. Whether that translates to better or worse outcomes than peer programs is unknown. Comparable programs elsewhere in Ohio also lack public data, making it difficult to assess how this campus stacks up regionally.
For families considering this path, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment if your student actually completes the degree and secures relevant technical employment. But you're essentially betting on this smaller campus delivering results similar to the national pool of engineering technology programs. If local employer connections in the Celina area are strong and your student prefers staying close to home, that might justify the uncertainty. Otherwise, programs with actual track records would provide more concrete assurance.
Where Wright State University-Lake Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,504 | $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 Wright State University-Lake Campus, 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.
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.