Compare 46 Industrial Technology/Technician. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $76,563. Top programs: $98,018+.
With top graduates earning $98,018, Industrial Technology/Technician 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 46 ranked programs, outcomes track program quality, not school reputation.
Topping the list, SUNY Buffalo State University's Industrial Technology program delivers $98,018 in median earnings—nearly $6,000 ahead of second-place Ferris State University ($91,993) and third-place Indiana State University ($91,915). All three are regional public universities, not nationally ranked research institutions. The field average sits at $76,563, meaning these programs outperform by more than $15,000. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. California State University-Los Angeles graduates borrow just $13,000 in student loans and face a 2.8% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families factoring in parent loans, Cal State LA still leads with a 5.8% combined burden—also 'Excellent'—on graduates earning $86,970. Strong outcomes, minimal debt drag.
Highest program earnings: $98,018
Strong outcomes ($98,018) with 73% acceptance
2.8% payment burden | Excellent
5.8% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $98,018 | 12 | $21,028 | Excellent | $12,951 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $91,993 | 99 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,849 | Excellent |
| #3 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $91,915 | 10 | $24,000 | Excellent | $17,049 | Good |
| #4 | $89,904 | 51 | $22,500 | Excellent | $14,301 | Excellent | |
| #5 | Ohio Northern UniversityPrivate | $89,697 | 17 | $27,000 | Excellent | $32,246 | Manageable |
| #6 | $89,629 | 149 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Good | |
| #7 | $89,195 | 52 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $88,492 | 31 | $23,000 | Excellent | $14,877 | Good | |
| #9 | $88,474 | 163 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #10 | $87,678 | 52 | $19,606 | Excellent | $17,125 | Good | |
| #11 | $87,580 | 35 | $19,691 | Excellent | $17,670 | Good | |
| #12 | $87,442 | 64 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | Good | |
| #13 | Lamar UniversityPublic | $87,113 | 46 | $21,250 | Excellent | $11,359 | Excellent |
| #14 | $86,970 | 35 | $13,000 | Excellent | $12,526 | Excellent | |
| #15 | $86,033 | 37 | $22,095 | Excellent | $18,310 | Good | |
| #16 | $83,958 | 98 | $21,977 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #17 | $83,115 | 11 | $21,106 | Excellent | $13,695 | Good | |
| #18 | $82,740 | 27 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | Good | |
| #19 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $82,332 | 19 | $23,250 | Excellent | $43,810 | Manageable |
| #20 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $81,852 | 201 | $22,750 | Excellent | $19,710 | Good |
| #21 | Shawnee State UniversityPublic | $81,446 | 18 | $23,000 | Excellent | $17,366 | Good |
| #22 | $80,820 | 27 | $21,500 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #23 | $79,068 | 79 | $22,142 | Excellent | $25,567 | Manageable | |
| #24 | $78,267 | 34 | $14,718 | Excellent | $18,349 | Good | |
| #25 | $77,476 | 30 | $27,000 | Excellent | $20,004 | 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 →
