Design Engineering Technologies at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
A 53% admission rate makes Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 1,449 students in Lancaster, PA.
Program Analysis
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's Design Engineering Technologies program produces graduates earning $36,002/yr — within striking distance of the $42,040 national average for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 28.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design Engineering Technologies programs nationally.
The 34% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 40% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Design Engineering Technologies graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,940 in median debt clears fast against $36,002 in annual earnings.
Ranked #35 of 45 Design Engineering Technologies programs, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $36,002 to $52,520 over five years — a 46% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Design Engineering Technologies offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.