Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,924
95th percentile
60th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$7,000
42% below national median

Analysis

At first glance, Bluegrass Community and Technical College's electrical engineering tech certificate looks exceptional—graduates earn $69,924 within a year while carrying just $7,000 in debt. That's nearly double the national median for this program and puts these graduates well above the national average. However, the picture gets more nuanced when you zoom in on Kentucky: this performance lands at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning other Kentucky schools deliver comparable outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 is outstanding either way, suggesting graduates can realistically clear their loans within months.

The elephant in the room is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few outliers could be skewing these numbers significantly. That said, Kentucky's electrical engineering tech programs appear broadly strong, with even the state median at $60,381 outpacing most of the country. If your child is mechanically inclined and wants to enter the workforce quickly, this certificate could be a smart move—just recognize you're betting on limited data. The low debt exposure means if outcomes don't match these numbers, the downside risk remains manageable. For families prioritizing immediate earning potential with minimal debt, this pathway deserves serious consideration, assuming your student can verify these outcomes hold true across multiple years.

Where Bluegrass Community and Technical College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington$4,706$69,924$7,0000.10
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeBowling Green$4,656$60,381$8,3960.14
Big Sandy Community and Technical CollegePrestonsburg$4,656$31,217
National Median$38,804$11,9760.31

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 Bluegrass Community and Technical College, 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.