Best colleges for Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Engineering Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are Bemidji State University ($85,830), Eastern Washington University ($70,789) and University of Wisconsin-Stout ($67,461), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Bemidji State University (Bemidji, MN): $85,830, 40 graduates a year
- Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA): $70,789, 29 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, WI): $67,461, 35 graduates a year
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, NJ): $64,831, 32 graduates a year
- Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL): $64,762, 36 graduates a year
Compare 212 U.S. colleges offering Engineering Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 43 states.
Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $59,622 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 15.00 and the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs
The Engineering Technologies/Technicians program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to support various branches of technology. This program is ideal for individuals interested in practical applications of engineering concepts, focusing on tasks that involve research, development, and operational activities in technology-related fields.
Students in this program will develop core skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics. Coursework typically covers topics such as electronics, engineering principles, and design, equipping students with the ability to modify, maintain, and repair electronic equipment and systems.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $85,830 | 40 | 48% | — | $30,982 |
| 2 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $70,789 | 29 | 43% | — | $25,666 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $67,461 | 35 | 55% | — | $25,000 |
| 4 | New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,831 | 32 | 73% | — | $24,000 |
| 5 | Western Illinois University Macomb, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,762 | 36 | 45% | — | $32,373 |
| 6 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,728 | 63 | 52% | — | $31,000 |
| 7 | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $62,117 | 45 | 49% | — | $27,274 |
| 8 | Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $62,089 | 38 | 40% | — | $26,679 |
| 9 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $61,696 | 44 | 71% | — | $22,250 |
| 10 | University of Memphis Memphis, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $61,465 | 34 | 51% | — | $27,600 |
| 11 | University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $61,424 | 50 | 54% | — | $26,000 |
| 12 | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,808 | 42 | 54% | — | $28,327 |
| 13 | New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,250 | 32 | 55% | — | $22,000 |
| 14 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,813 | 49 | 60% | — | $25,250 |
| 15 | Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,622 | 52 | 58% | — | $23,000 |
| 16 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,665 | 23 | 75% | — | $30,625 |
| 17 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $56,551 | 36 | 53% | — | $27,000 |
| 18 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $55,532 | 28 | 65% | — | $19,500 |
| 19 | Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA Public · Bachelor's degree | $54,464 | 40 | 45% | — | $27,732 |
| 20 | Texas State University San Marcos, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,958 | 29 | 55% | — | $24,000 |
| 21 | Morehead State University Morehead, KY Public · Bachelor's degree | $51,021 | 41 | 52% | — | $28,396 |
| 22 | New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,184 | 21 | 59% | $22,158 | $25,500 |
| 23 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,174 | 22 | 40% | — | $20,035 |
| 24 | Kent State University at Tuscarawas New Philadelphia, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,477 | 29 | 38% | — | $27,000 |
| 25 | Grambling State University Grambling, LA Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,864 | 23 | 36% | — | $44,625 |
Top 7 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TN Public · Certificate | $77,072 | 189 | 31% | — | $6,312 |
| 2 | Jackson State Community College Jackson, TN Public · Associate degree | $61,123 | 31 | 26% | — | — |
| 3 | Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TN Public · Associate degree | $52,531 | 58 | 26% | — | $13,865 |
| 4 | Northwestern Michigan College Traverse City, MI Public · Associate degree Small program | $50,148 | 11 | 25% | — | $13,834 |
| 5 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MI Public · Associate degree | $46,493 | 43 | 28% | — | $18,000 |
| 6 | Morrison Institute of Technology Morrison, IL Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $39,332 | 17 | 90% | $24,249 | $12,000 |
| 7 | Jefferson State Community College Birmingham, AL Public · Associate degree | $38,981 | 154 | 26% | — | — |
Specializations within Engineering Technologies/Technicians
2 of the 2 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 15.00 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 43 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3023, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Engineering Technologies/Technicians program can expect a stable job outlook, with an estimated 8,400 annual openings and a median wage of $77,180. Most positions in this field require an associate's degree, and employment growth is projected to be around 0.6%.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Engineering Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.00.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.00 (Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General) maps to 6 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 17-3021 | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians |
| 17-3022 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
| 17-3023 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary |
| 17-3024 | Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians |
| 17-3026 | Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
- Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
- Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
- Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
- Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Engineering Technologies/Technicians program?+
The program focuses on practical applications of engineering concepts, preparing students to assist in technology-related projects.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
Students will learn skills such as critical thinking, mathematics, and active listening, along with technical knowledge in electronics and engineering.
What is the typical education required for careers in this field?+
Most careers in engineering technologies require an associate's degree.
What is the job outlook for engineering technicians?+
The job outlook is stable, with an estimated growth of 0.6% and about 8,400 annual job openings.
How much do Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $59,622, College Scorecard (2019); the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation pays about $80,680 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Engineering Technologies/Technicians?+
Engineering Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 15.00 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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