Best colleges for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are The University of Findlay ($67,266), Pennsylvania College of Technology ($65,154) and North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($47,936), 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%.
- The University of Findlay (Findlay, OH): $67,266, 29 graduates a year
- Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, PA): $65,154, 21 graduates a year
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC): $47,936, 20 graduates a year
- Appalachian State University (Boone, NC): $47,333, 46 graduates a year
Compare 271 U.S. colleges offering Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 45 states.
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $37,285 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 15.05 and the Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians programs
The Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians program focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and improve environmental quality. This program is ideal for individuals interested in fields related to engineering and technology, particularly those who are passionate about addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Learn more about Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians →
Students in this program will gain core skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework typically covers topics in engineering technology, chemistry, and environmental management, preparing students to perform tasks such as data collection and environmental assessments.
Top 5 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 | The University of Findlay Findlay, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $67,266 | 29 | 58% | $23,128 | $26,000 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $65,154 | 21 | 53% | — | — |
| 3 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,936 | 20 | 85% | — | $21,141 |
| 4 | Appalachian State University Boone, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,333 | 46 | 75% | — | $23,250 |
| 5 | University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Aguadilla, PR Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $12,469 | 5 | 46% | — | — |
Top 25 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 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MO Private not-for-profit · Certificate | $50,187 | 76 | 53% | $17,520 | $14,784 |
| 2 | Riverside City College Riverside, CA Public · Certificate | $48,911 | 144 | 37% | — | — |
| 3 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI Public · Associate degree | $48,795 | 23 | 47% | — | $11,000 |
| 4 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA Public · Certificate | $43,340 | 109 | 35% | — | — |
| 5 | Florida Academy Fort Myers, FL Private for-profit · Certificate | $42,769 | 104 | 71% | $13,489 | $6,577 |
| 6 | College of Business and Technology Hialeah, FL Private for-profit · Associate degree | $41,814 | 100 | 96% | $11,246 | $8,600 |
| 7 | Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center Copiague, NY Private for-profit · Certificate | $41,567 | 115 | 99% | $18,872 | $6,333 |
| 8 | Lincoln College of Technology - Denver Denver, CO Private for-profit · Certificate | $40,778 | 57 | 71% | $33,052 | $14,553 |
| 9 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Union Union, NJ Private for-profit · Certificate | $40,778 | 312 | 75% | $26,378 | $14,553 |
| 10 | Lincoln College of Technology - Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TX Private for-profit · Certificate | $40,778 | 170 | 73% | $31,422 | $14,553 |
| 11 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Mahwah Mahwah, NJ Private for-profit · Certificate | $40,778 | 158 | 79% | $29,877 | $14,553 |
| 12 | Pickens Technical College Aurora, CO Public · Certificate | $40,146 | 54 | 76% | — | — |
| 13 | Wichita Technical Institute Wichita, KS Private for-profit · Certificate | $37,895 | 131 | 55% | $20,276 | $13,000 |
| 14 | Summit College San Bernardino, CA Private for-profit · Certificate | $37,725 | 88 | 62% | $25,402 | $7,600 |
| 15 | Polaris Career Center Middleburg Heights, OH Public · Certificate | $37,480 | 61 | 77% | — | $6,365 |
| 16 | Lincoln Technical Institute - East Windsor East Windsor, CT Private for-profit · Certificate | $37,285 | 106 | 62% | $27,142 | $11,250 |
| 17 | Lincoln Technical Institute - New Britain New Britain, CT Private for-profit · Certificate | $37,285 | 50 | 65% | $31,256 | $11,250 |
| 18 | Lincoln College of Technology - Columbia Columbia, MD Private for-profit · Certificate | $37,285 | 207 | 68% | $30,638 | $11,250 |
| 19 | Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, AL Public · Associate degree | $36,407 | 48 | 38% | — | — |
| 20 | Northwestern Technological Institute Southfield, MI Private for-profit · Certificate | $36,015 | 469 | 72% | $33,047 | $9,500 |
| 21 | Lincoln College of Technology - Marietta Marietta, GA Private for-profit · Certificate | $34,220 | 92 | 64% | $30,713 | $14,381 |
| 22 | College of Business and Technology Miami, FL Private for-profit · Certificate | $34,206 | 105 | 93% | $17,832 | $8,600 |
| 23 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TX Public · Certificate | $33,995 | 107 | 46% | — | $9,500 |
| 24 | South Florida Institute of Technology Miami, FL Private for-profit · Certificate | $33,760 | 1,439 | 83% | $29,731 | $8,508 |
| 25 | Southern Careers Institute - Austin Austin, TX Private for-profit · Certificate | $32,421 | 32 | 53% | $23,976 | $9,500 |
Specializations within Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
5 of the 5 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 15.05 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- HeatingCIP 15.050111,417 graduates / yr179 institutions26 states
- Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/CIP 15.0506
Technician 860 graduates / yr56 institutions27 states - Environmental/CIP 15.0507
Environmental Engineering Technology/ Technician 254 graduates / yr32 institutions19 states - Environmental Control Technologies/CIP 15.0599
Technicians 120 graduates / yr13 institutions8 states - Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/CIP 15.0508
Technician 118 graduates / yr14 institutions3 states
Offered across 45 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 17-3025, Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
The job outlook for graduates in Environmental Control Technologies is stable, with an expected growth rate of 1.2% and approximately 1,100 annual openings. Most positions require an associate's degree, with a median wage of $58,890, making it a viable career path for those interested in environmental engineering and technology.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.05.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.05 (Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians) 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 |
|---|---|
| 17-3025 | Environmental Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary |
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
| 19-4042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health |
| 47-4041 | Hazardous Materials Removal Workers |
| 49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers |
| 51-8031 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Environmental Control 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
- Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
- Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
- Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
- Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
- Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available?+
Specializations include Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Energy Management, Solar Energy, Water Quality, and Hazardous Materials Management.
What kind of tasks will I perform in this field?+
Tasks include maintaining project records, collecting pollution samples, and producing environmental assessment reports.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, science, and effective communication.
What is the typical education requirement for careers in this field?+
Most careers in Environmental Control Technologies require an associate's degree.
How much do Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $37,285, College Scorecard (2019); the Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation pays about $64,870 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians?+
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 15.05 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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