Physical Science Technology at Ashland Community and Technical College
a smaller institution with 1,566 students in Ashland, KY.
Program Analysis
At $61,539 per year, Physical Science Technology graduates from Ashland Community and Technical College earn slightly above the $54,443 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Physical Science Technology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Physical Science Technology's career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $11,180 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #13 of 17 Physical Science Technology programs, Ashland Community and Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $64,518 are relatively flat compared to the $61,539 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Physical Science Technology offers 8 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 Physical Science Technology graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical plant and system operators | $73,540 | -6.1% | 85% |
| Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other | $60,130 | +3.5% | 45% |
| Hydrologic technicians | $58,570 | -2.1% | 50% |
Physical Science Technology Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Physical Science Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Ashland Community and Technical College and 16 other schools.