Design Engineering Technologies at Trine University

Angola, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,013/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #4 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design Engineering Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $666K $650K $590K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.6x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 51 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$142,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,320
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,146
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Trine University's Design Engineering Technologies graduates start at $65,013/yr — above the $56,836 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 4.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $65,013 in annual earnings.

With only 9 programs offering Design Engineering Technologies nationally, this is a niche field. Trine University ranks #4 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $65,013 to $81,146 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Trine University

A 85% acceptance rate means Trine University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,344 students in Angola, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Trine University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Trine University's Design Engineering Technologies program score?
This program scores 51/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Design Engineering Technologies graduates.
How vulnerable is Design Engineering Technologies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design Engineering Technologies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →