Mechanical Engineering Technology at ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

With 83% of applicants admitted, ECPI University prioritizes broad access, serving 11,270 students in Virginia Beach, VA.

Program Analysis

ECPI University Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates command $64,003/yr out of the gate, well above the $43,886 national median. That 46% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 18.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,000 in median debt clears fast against $64,003 in annual earnings.

A #14 ranking among 22 Mechanical Engineering Technology programs places ECPI University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 49 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mechanical Engineering Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
55
Score
56
High End
Earnings $64,003/yr (46% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$670K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$36,968
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760 +1.1% 58%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760
+1.1% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Mechanical Engineering Technology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Mechanical Engineering Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from ECPI University and 21 other schools.

Read the full Mechanical Engineering Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at ECPI University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ECPI University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program score?
At 55/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering Technology is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Are there apprenticeship options for Mechanical Engineering Technology?
Yes — 49 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Mechanical Engineering Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at ECPI University.
What's the job market like for Mechanical Engineering Technology from ECPI University?
The career paths mapped to Mechanical Engineering Technology have roughly 87,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →