Engineering Technology at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering Technology, General
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,477/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (28,100 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 of 34 Engineering Technology, General programs

Program Analysis

A "general" engineering technology degree, particularly in a regional market like Kent, Ohio, often means you'll face a competitive landscape where employers increasingly prioritize specialized skills. While Ohio has a strong manufacturing base, many companies seek candidates with specific expertise in areas like advanced automation, CAD/CAM software, or particular quality control systems, rather than a broad overview. Your path might involve supporting lead engineers in various capacities, but without a distinct specialization, differentiating yourself can be challenging. The high AI risk for many technologist roles further emphasizes the need for unique, hands-on capabilities that are harder to automate. To truly succeed, you must proactively seek targeted internships, robust project experience, or even specialized certifications *during* your studies to ensure your skillset is immediately marketable and stands out to employers seeking precise expertise.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $589K $580K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.3x 10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.5x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 50% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,384
Out-of-state: $89,264 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,456
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,975
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,378
37% growth from Year 1

About Kent State University at Kent

With 87% of applicants admitted, Kent State University at Kent prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,134 in Kent, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Kent →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians $77,180/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kent State University at Kent

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Technology at Kent State University at Kent?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Engineering Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering Technology at Kent State University at Kent?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Kent State University at Kent a good choice for Engineering Technology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Kent State University at Kent's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →