Environmental Technology at Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL · Public · Associate Degree · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 3,619 students in Gadsden, AL.

Program Analysis

At $36,407/yr, Environmental Technology graduates from Gadsden State Community College land near the $38,197 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 47.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Environmental Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Environmental Technology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

At #12 of 63 nationally, this is a top-5% Environmental Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Environmental Technology offers 30 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $36,407/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$381K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.2x
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 (In-State)
$8,064
Out-of-state: $14,160

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Environmental Technology 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 →

Environmental Technology Career Guide

Explore what Environmental Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 63 programs nationwide.

Read the full Environmental Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology Overview

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Gadsden State Community College

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 does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Environmental Technology at Gadsden State Community College?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Environmental Technology field.
Is Gadsden State Community College one of the best schools for Environmental Technology?
The #12 ranking out of 63 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Environmental Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Gadsden State Community College?
The DOL recognizes 30 apprenticeship pathways related to Environmental Technology. For students weighing Gadsden State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Environmental Technology graduates?
With approximately 68,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Environmental Technology offers a large employment pool. Gadsden State Community College graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →