Electrical Engineering Technologies at North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND · Public · Associate Degree · Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 1,733 students in Wahpeton, ND.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,253/yr, roughly in line with the $51,472 national median for Electrical Engineering Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 61.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Electrical Engineering Technologies programs nationally.

The 38% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 41% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Electrical Engineering Technologies graduates.

With first-year pay of $45,253 far exceeding the $11,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #28 of 63 Electrical Engineering Technologies programs, North Dakota State College of Science scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $69,547 show a 54% jump from the $45,253 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

Electrical Engineering Technologies offers 37 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
58
Score
60
High End
Earnings $45,253/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (59% shielded)
Job Market Medium (24,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$769K
11.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
64.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,856
Out-of-state: $13,852
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,547
54% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Electrical Engineering Technologies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay $100,940 +5.5% 66%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
$100,940
+5.5% growth 66% AI-proof
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

About Electrical Engineering Technologies Careers

Your career could begin in a research lab, using multimeters and soldering irons to build and test prototypes for new electronics. Alternatively, you might find yourself working on the power grid, maintaining the high-voltage circuit breakers and relays in substations that power our communities. Initially, you'll work under supervision, following schematics and running diagnostic tests. As you gain experience, you’ll transition to troubleshooting complex systems independently, eventually becoming a senior technician or a specialist in a high-demand field.

Read the full Electrical Engineering Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Electrical Engineering Technologies Overview

Electrical Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Dakota State College of Science

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Electrical Engineering Technologies at North Dakota State College of Science?
At 58/100, North Dakota State College of Science's Electrical Engineering Technologies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How vulnerable is Electrical Engineering Technologies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Electrical Engineering Technologies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 41% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
What's the typical debt for Electrical Engineering Technologies graduates from North Dakota State College of Science?
Median debt of just $11,000 against $45,253/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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Electrical Engineering Technologies graduates?
Yes — 37 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Electrical Engineering Technologies career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →