Program Analysis
Graduates earn $53,234/yr, roughly in line with the $62,227 national median for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
At 8.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$53,234 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #47 out of 59 programs, Pennsylvania College of Technology's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $53,234 to $63,067 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.