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Environmental Technology at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

A 81% acceptance rate means Ferris State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

At $48,795 per year, Environmental Technology graduates from Ferris State University significantly outpace the $38,197 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 27.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 35% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Environmental Technology graduates.

The median debt load of $10,625 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #15 out of 63 programs, Ferris State University's Environmental Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $48,795 to $71,572 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 30 registered apprenticeships mapped to Environmental Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
49
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $48,795/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$780K
10.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
28.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$27,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,625
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,572
47% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Environmental Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890 +1.2% 59%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890
+1.2% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Environmental Technology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Environmental Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Ferris State University and 62 other schools.

Read the full Environmental Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology Overview

View all 63 schools offering Environmental Technology →

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Front Range Community College ($70,888) High Plains Technology Center ($67,935) New England Institute of Technology ($53,135) North Dakota State College of Science ($50,780) Mitchell Technical College ($50,685) Ranken Technical College ($50,187) Riverside City College ($48,911) ITI Technical College ($47,809)

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Precision Metalworking ($68,852) Vehicle Repair Technology ($68,791) Health Administration ($68,630) Quality Control & Safety Technology ($67,753) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($62,282) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($56,819) Precision Metalworking ($56,811) Heavy Equipment Technology ($55,532)

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Compare Environmental Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Environmental Technology at Ferris State University?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Environmental Technology field.
How affordable is Environmental Technology at Ferris State University?
Median debt of just $10,625 against $48,795/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Is Ferris State University one of the best schools for Environmental Technology?
Among 63 Environmental Technology programs, Ferris State University's #15 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Environmental Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Ferris State University?
Yes — 30 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Environmental Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Ferris State University.
How could AI change the job market for Environmental Technology graduates?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 35% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
Will Environmental Technology graduates from Ferris State University find jobs?
At 68,200 annual openings, Environmental Technology has a large employment base. Ferris State University graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →