Environmental Technology at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,936/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)
ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 6 Environmental Control Technologies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

This specialized program at NC State leverages the university's strong engineering foundation and practical focus, preparing you for a vital, hands-on role in environmental stewardship. The financial outcomes reflect the applied technician track, which provides consistent demand and stable career paths rather than the higher-risk, higher-reward profile of some pure engineering or R&D roles. You'll find a robust job market within North Carolina's Research Triangle Park ecosystem, where major employers like state environmental agencies, biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and large utility providers actively recruit. Your work will involve critical tasks such as monitoring environmental systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining complex equipment. To maximize your early career potential, actively pursue internships with local firms or government bodies to build practical experience and network.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $684K $674K $629K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.9x 17.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.3x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 56% 52% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,141
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,235
57% growth from Year 1

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh accepts 40% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 26,389 students in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

Top Career Paths

Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810/yr
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Environmental Technology at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Environmental Technology field.
What makes North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Environmental Technology program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 6 programs nationally, North Carolina State University at Raleigh lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →