Design Engineering Technologies at Pennsylvania College of Technology
a smaller institution with 4,254 students in Williamsport, PA.
Program Analysis
At $44,821 per year, Design Engineering Technologies graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology earn slightly above the $42,040 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 13.9x 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 — 40% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design Engineering Technologies graduates.
The median debt load of $15,251 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #34 out of 45 programs, Pennsylvania College of Technology's financial outcomes for Design Engineering Technologies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design Engineering Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Design Engineering Technologies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and electronics drafters | $73,720 | -5.6% | 43% |
| Mechanical drafters | $68,510 | -6.5% | 50% |
| Architectural and civil drafters | $64,280 | +4.1% | 46% |
About Design Engineering Technologies Careers
Your career begins by transforming an engineer's rough sketch into a precise digital model. As an architectural drafter, you might spend your day in an office using software like Revit to create detailed blueprints for a new office building, then visit the construction site to verify measurements. As a mechanical drafter, you’d use SolidWorks to model a complex machine part, ensuring every tolerance is perfect for manufacturing.
Read the full Design Engineering Technologies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Design Engineering Technologies Overview
Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Pennsylvania College of Technology
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.