Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
At $28,266 in first-year earnings, this program lands near the bottom of the national pack—17th percentile—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few data points. The low debt of $6,179 offers some protection, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 that's manageable even with modest starting pay. However, when most electrical installation programs nationally produce median earnings around $38,700, you're looking at a $10,000+ gap that compounds over time.
The New Jersey picture is more nuanced. While this program still trails the state median of $31,480, it's closer to the middle of the pack (40th percentile) rather than near the bottom nationally. Still, nearby alternatives like Pennco Tech-Blackwood ($33,390) and Lincoln Tech's various campuses (around $32,800) deliver 15-20% higher starting earnings for slightly more debt. Those differences matter in a high-cost state like New Jersey.
The combination of small sample size and below-average outcomes makes this a risky bet. If your child is set on this field, the established Lincoln Tech campuses or Pennco Tech show more consistent results with graduates earning enough to justify the training investment. Unless this program offers unique scheduling flexibility or location advantages, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere.
Where Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS graduates compare to all programs nationally
Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all electrical and power transmission installers certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS | $28,266 | — | $6,179 | 0.22 |
| Pennco Tech-Blackwood | $33,390 | $36,888 | $9,500 | 0.28 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Union | $32,841 | $35,354 | $13,875 | 0.42 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah | $32,841 | $35,354 | $13,875 | 0.42 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin | $31,480 | — | $14,587 | 0.46 |
| Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences | $28,945 | $39,553 | $10,070 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennco Tech-Blackwood Blackwood | — | $33,390 | $9,500 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Union Union | — | $32,841 | $13,875 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah Mahwah | — | $32,841 | $13,875 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin Iselin | — | $31,480 | $14,587 |
| Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences Paterson | — | $28,945 | $10,070 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.