Engineering Technologyat Kent State University at Kent
Graduates earn $45,477/yr in their first year — about 23.0% below the national Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $580K; scenarios range from $535K to $589K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Kent State
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Kent State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Engineering Technology
How Kent State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Kent State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kent State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Engineering Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Engineering Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Engineering Technology at Kent State
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.