Analysis
Based on comparable programs in Ohio, electrical engineering technology graduates typically earn around $67,000 in their first year—solid compensation that puts estimated debt of $26,220 in manageable territory. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe less than 40% of their first year's salary, a comfortable position for most technical fields where steady employment is the norm.
What's encouraging here is that the estimated debt sits well below both the state and national medians for this credential. While other Ohio programs often saddle graduates with debts exceeding $40,000, Zane State's community college pricing appears to deliver similar earning potential at roughly half the financial burden. The limited actual data from peer programs—schools like University of Akron and Cleveland State—shows first-year earnings clustering tightly in the $66,000-$70,000 range, suggesting the field offers consistent value regardless of institution.
The caveat worth noting: these figures are drawn from a small pool of similar programs because Zane State's own graduate cohort was too small to report. That means you're making an educated guess based on state patterns rather than reviewing this school's actual track record. For a technical degree leading to licensed or standardized work, that's less risky than for fields where institutional reputation drives outcomes. The math pencils out favorably if the estimates hold—just recognize you're investing based on what happens at peer programs, not proven results from Zane State itself.
Where Zane State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,856 | $67,395* | — | $26,220* | — | |
| $12,799 | $70,138* | $80,891 | $31,000* | 0.44 | |
| $17,488 | $67,395* | $75,968 | $53,062* | 0.79 | |
| $12,613 | $66,044* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $67,395* | — | $27,558* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Zane State College, approximately 18% 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 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.