Home Schools Southwestern Oklahoma State University Engineering Technology
Engineering Technology · Engineering Technology Rank #31 of 34

Engineering Technologyat Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Graduates earn $46,174/yr in their first year — about 21.0% below the national Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $511K; scenarios range from $481K to $513K depending on AI disruption.

Weatherford, OK Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
46 AVERAGE
47
Optimistic
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$46,174
1-year post-graduation
ROI
12.9x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$511K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
43% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

The outcomes for this general engineering technology program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University highlight the critical role of regional labor markets and program specialization. While Oklahoma has industries like aerospace and energy, the demand for *general* engineering technologists may not be as robust or high-paying as in more diversified economic hubs. Graduates often find themselves competing for technician roles in local firms, which may not fully leverage their potential or offer salaries comparable to national averages for specialized engineers. The broad curriculum, while versatile, can make it harder to stand out for specific, in-demand positions. Given the high AI risk in many technician fields, it's crucial to actively pursue internships that provide highly specialized skills and consider programs with clearer industry alignment to ensure a stronger career trajectory.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$481K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score44/100
Earnings Multiple14.5x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$511K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score46/100
Earnings Multiple15.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$513K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score47/100
Earnings Multiple15.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Southwestern Oklahoma State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Engineering Technology graduates typically work

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.

1
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
+8.1% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$79,830/yr
Moderate
2
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
+1.5% 10-yr growth · 5,700 openings/yr
$77,390/yr
Low
3
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
+0.6% 10-yr growth · 8,400 openings/yr
$77,180/yr
Moderate
4
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
+1.1% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$70,760/yr
Moderate
5
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 6,300 openings/yr
$64,790/yr
Moderate
6
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 5,500 openings/yr
$64,200/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Engineering Technology

How Southwestern Oklahoma State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Bemidji State University
MN · Public
67
DW Score
$86K
1-yr earn
18.8x
ROI
Top score
Miami University-Hamilton
OH · Public
68
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
29.7x
ROI
Miami University-Middletown
OH · Public
68
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
29.7x
ROI
Kennesaw State University
GA · Public
67
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
37.7x
ROI
Northern Illinois University
IL · Public
63
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Other top programs at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Engineering Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

At 46/100, 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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University a good choice for Engineering Technology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Southwestern Oklahoma State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.