Compare 33 Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $76,248. Top programs: $97,959+.
With top graduates earning $98K, Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $21K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige. Across 33 ranked programs, outcomes track program quality, not brand recognition.
Topping the list, Eastern New Mexico University's Applied Engineering Technologies program delivers $98K in median earnings—nearly $22K above the $76K field average. Close behind, Drexel University produces graduates earning $97K, while Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota reaches $91K. Regional publics dominate this ranking, consistently outpacing schools with far stronger national reputations.
Strong earnings matter, but debt burden determines whether graduates actually get ahead. Tennessee Technological University graduates borrow just $15,650 and face a 3.9% payment burden—landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families factoring in parent loans, New Mexico State University leads with a 6.7% combined burden, also rated 'Excellent.' Both programs clear debt quickly against post-grad income. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $97,959
Strong outcomes ($97,959) with 92% acceptance
3.9% payment burden | Excellent
6.7% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $97,959 | 8 | — | — | — | — | |
| #2 | Drexel UniversityPrivate | $97,379 | 29 | $25,325 | Excellent | $40,932 | Manageable |
| #3 | Bemidji State UniversityPublic | $90,868 | 22 | $19,750 | Excellent | $12,173 | Excellent |
| #4 | $89,729 | 55 | $23,833 | Excellent | $19,000 | Good | |
| #5 | $86,360 | 195 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,866 | Good | |
| #6 | $81,690 | 47 | $17,095 | Excellent | $10,166 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $81,554 | 58 | $22,162 | Excellent | $19,508 | Good | |
| #8 | $80,541 | 22 | $20,000 | Excellent | $14,229 | Good | |
| #9 | $80,530 | 33 | $20,482 | Excellent | $28,767 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $80,376 | 19 | $23,334 | Excellent | $39,731 | Manageable | |
| #11 | University Of MemphisPublic | $79,914 | 40 | $23,300 | Excellent | $15,393 | Good |
| #12 | Temple UniversityPublic | $79,351 | 34 | $24,395 | Excellent | $36,495 | Manageable |
| #13 | $79,309 | 44 | $20,547 | Excellent | $14,710 | Good | |
| #14 | $78,801 | 53 | $21,868 | Excellent | $18,241 | Good | |
| #15 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $78,671 | 56 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Good |
| #16 | $77,658 | 69 | $15,650 | Excellent | $11,640 | Excellent | |
| #17 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | $77,103 | 25 | $20,500 | Excellent | $14,306 | Good |
| #18 | $76,784 | 42 | $23,000 | Excellent | $11,000 | Good | |
| #19 | $76,568 | 49 | $22,250 | Excellent | $10,050 | Good | |
| #20 | $75,922 | 19 | $25,251 | Excellent | $20,764 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $75,375 | 27 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,000 | Good | |
| #22 | $75,298 | 52 | $19,442 | Excellent | $16,938 | Good | |
| #23 | $74,785 | 24 | $22,113 | Excellent | $10,611 | Good | |
| #24 | $73,949 | 10 | — | — | — | — | |
| #25 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $72,544 | 17 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
