Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians at Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,992/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 3 Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $667K $666K $617K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.4x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.9x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 56% 55% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,984
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,771
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $46,992 per year, Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates from Illinois State University earn below the $75,051 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians's typical career paths, with 22% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

This program is one of 3 schools offering Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians in our dataset — a specialized field with limited comparison points.

Five-year earnings of $72,771 show a 55% jump from the $46,992 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Illinois State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Illinois State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 18,414 students in Normal, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Illinois State University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay $100,940/yr
Power plant operators $99,670/yr
Commercial and industrial designers $79,450/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians at Other Schools

Other Majors at Illinois State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians at Illinois State University?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Can you still earn well with Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians from Illinois State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →