Est. Earnings (1yr)
$80,512
Est. from PA median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,500
Est. from PA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on peer programs across Pennsylvania, this electrical engineering track appears positioned right at the state median—with estimated first-year earnings around $80,500 and debt near $26,500. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments, likely consuming less than 10% of gross monthly income in the early years. For context, Pennsylvania's electrical engineering programs span a wide range: Carnegie Mellon grads start at nearly $140,000, while this program's estimates align more closely with Drexel and Lehigh outcomes.

The challenge here is distinguishing York College's actual performance from the broader state pattern. With a 94% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores, the school serves a different student population than the elite engineering programs at the top of the state rankings. What matters is whether York's hands-on curriculum and smaller class sizes translate to outcomes matching these peer estimates—or whether its graduates face steeper challenges in Pennsylvania's competitive engineering job market.

The estimated numbers suggest solid return on investment if they hold true: engineering credentials typically command strong salaries, and this debt load won't be crushing. But without actual graduate data, you're betting on York replicating what similar programs achieve. Ask the admissions office for recent graduate placement rates and employer names—that concrete information matters more than statewide averages when you're writing the tuition checks.

Where York College of Pennsylvania Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
York College of PennsylvaniaYork$24,606$80,512*—$26,500*—
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh$63,829$139,337*$149,740$22,250*0.16
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$90,302*$86,457$27,000*0.30
Widener UniversityChester$53,638$82,611*—$26,500*0.32
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$81,904*$91,677$29,986*0.37
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$79,119*$96,912$22,754*0.29
National Median—$77,710*—$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 York College of Pennsylvania, approximately 25% 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 median of 8 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.