Location: Graniteville, SC•In-State Tuition: $5,044•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,916
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,852
Est. from national median (49 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,063
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Electrical engineering technology programs across South Carolina show strong earning potential, with the state median hitting $68,602—significantly above the $54,852 national figure that serves as our baseline estimate here. Aiken Technical College's program lacks specific graduate outcome data due to small cohort sizes, but if its graduates track anywhere near other SC technical colleges like Greenville Tech ($69,797) or Orangeburg Calhoun ($67,406), the economics look promising.

The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 that would mean less than three months of gross income needed to cover total borrowing—well within sustainable territory. That's assuming graduates land in the typical range for technical programs in the state. The real question is whether Aiken Tech's specific industry connections and curriculum deliver outcomes comparable to its in-state peers, or whether location and employer relationships put it at a disadvantage.

For parents considering this investment, the state's robust demand for electrical engineering technicians is encouraging, but you're working with estimates rather than verified outcomes. Request placement data directly from the college—specifically where recent graduates are working and starting salaries—before committing. The fundamentals of the field are solid in South Carolina; what matters most is whether this particular program connects students to those opportunities.

Where Aiken Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Aiken Technical College (estimated ±10%)Other electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Aiken Technical CollegeGraniteville$5,044$54,852*—$12,063*—
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville$5,639$69,797*——*—
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical CollegeOrangeburg$4,970$67,406*$79,181—*—
National Median—$54,852*—$14,710*0.27
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Aiken Technical College, approximately 45% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.