Environmental Control Technologies at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

A 81% acceptance rate means Ferris State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

At $48,795 per year, Environmental Control Technologies graduates from Ferris State University significantly outpace the $38,197 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 27.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 35% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Environmental Control Technologies graduates.

The median debt load of $10,625 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #15 out of 63 programs, Ferris State University's Environmental Control Technologies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $48,795 to $71,572 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 30 registered apprenticeships mapped to Environmental Control Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
49
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $48,795/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$780K
10.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
28.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition
$27,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,625
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,572
47% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Environmental Control Technologies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890 +1.2% 59%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890
+1.2% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

About Environmental Control Technologies Careers

Your career in environmental control begins with essential, hands-on work. One day, you could be in a homeowner's basement, using wrenches and a multimeter to diagnose and repair a furnace. The next, you might be on a commercial rooftop installing a new air conditioning unit, connecting ductwork and refrigerant lines. Alternatively, you could find yourself at a municipal water treatment plant, operating complex machinery, monitoring control panels, and testing water samples to ensure community safety. These are the core, in-demand jobs where you'll build your foundation.

Read the full Environmental Control Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Control Technologies Overview

Environmental Control Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ferris State University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Environmental Control Technologies at Ferris State University?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Environmental Control Technologies field.
How affordable is Environmental Control Technologies at Ferris State University?
Median debt of just $10,625 against $48,795/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Is Ferris State University one of the best schools for Environmental Control Technologies?
Among 63 Environmental Control Technologies programs, Ferris State University's #15 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Environmental Control Technologies?
Environmental Control Technologies connects to 30 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How could AI change the job market for Environmental Control Technologies graduates?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 35% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
Is there demand for Environmental Control Technologies workers?
With approximately 68,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Environmental Control Technologies offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →