Compare 6 Industrial Technology/Technician. programs in the West. Average earnings: $67,110.
The highest-earning Industrial Technology/Technician program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $33K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Western programs range from $52,823 to $85,411 in graduate earnings.
Brigham Young University-Idaho's Industrial Technology program leads with graduates earning $85,411, significantly above the $67,110 regional average. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo follows at $78,938, while San Jose State University produces graduates earning $62,489—proving that program quality varies independently of overall school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates borrow $13,969 and face just a 3.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, achieving a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.16.
Highest program earnings: $85,411
Strong outcomes with 97% acceptance
3.0% payment burden | Excellent
4.9% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $85,411 | 17 | $13,969 | Excellent | $7,556 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $78,938 | 65 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $62,489 | 106 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $62,161 | 48 | $13,000 | Excellent | $12,526 | Good | |
| #5 | $60,839 | 8 | $22,500 | Good | $22,978 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $52,823 | 47 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | 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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
