Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State's Civil Engineering Technologies program produces graduates earning $57,772 initially, climbing to over $71,000 within four years—a solid 24% increase that suggests genuine career progression. The $29,500 median debt translates to a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. While this program ranks in just the 26th percentile nationally, that comparison deserves context: with only two schools offering this degree in Ohio, YSU actually matches the state median exactly and performs in the 60th percentile among Ohio programs.

The practical reality here is straightforward. Your child would graduate with below-average debt for this field and enter a career path where earnings grow meaningfully during the crucial early years. The lower national ranking reflects regional wage differences more than program quality—Ohio civil engineering technicians simply earn less than counterparts in higher-cost metro areas. For families planning to stay in the Midwest, this program delivers accessible technical training at a reasonable price point.

The key consideration: this is a technician credential, not a full civil engineering degree, which caps long-term earning potential compared to PE-licensed engineers. But for students seeking hands-on work in construction, surveying, or project support without the calculus-heavy engineering curriculum, YSU provides a direct path to stable middle-class employment with debt you can actually pay off.