Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Blue Ridge Community College

Virginia's electrical engineering technology programs show a significant spread in outcomes, with the state median at $59,120 and top programs like New River reaching over $60,000. Based on national peer programs, Blue Ridge graduates would likely earn around $55,000 in their first year—slightly below what other Virginia programs typically produce, but still solid for a two-year technical degree. The estimated debt of roughly $12,000 is notably lower than Virginia's median of nearly $29,000 for this field, which matters considerably when you're starting a career.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 suggests graduates from comparable programs would owe less than three months of their first-year salary—a manageable starting point for most families. The real question is whether Blue Ridge can match the outcomes of nearby competitors. New River Community College, also in Virginia, reports actual earnings about $5,000 higher for the same credential, which compounds significantly over a career.

For parents of students genuinely interested in hands-on electrical work, the low estimated debt load makes this less risky than many alternatives. However, the suppressed data means you're working with limited information about this specific program's track record. If your child can gain admission to one of Virginia's programs with reported outcomes in the $58,000-60,000 range, that extra earning power—starting from day one—would likely justify the comparison shopping.