Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Youngstown State University

In Ohio's competitive landscape of engineering technology programs, Youngstown State appears positioned squarely in the middle. Similar programs across the state produce first-year earnings around $67,400, which matches the national median for this field. That's a solid starting point for a technical bachelor's degree, though not exceptional—nearby University of Akron graduates edge slightly higher. The program's estimated debt load of $26,200 comes in well below both Ohio's median ($42,000) and the national figure ($27,600), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that suggests manageable repayment.

What makes this estimate particularly relevant is that it's drawn from peer programs across Ohio, where YSU competes directly for students and employers. The four-year earnings figure of $73,100—actual reported data for this cohort—shows modest but steady income growth, typical of technical roles where advancement depends more on experience and certifications than rapid career trajectory. For a school serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, keeping debt low while delivering market-rate technical credentials represents practical value.

The caveat: these estimates tell you what comparable Ohio programs produce, not specifically what YSU's graduates achieve. If you're choosing between this and Akron's program, the modest earnings difference might matter less than location, campus culture, or specific industry connections. The debt advantage here is real enough to make YSU worth serious consideration, assuming the technical training quality matches its peers.