Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Cape Fear Community College

The estimated debt of $7,416 for this certificate program seems manageable—that's below both the national and state median for electrical programs. But the earnings picture requires careful consideration. Based on national data from similar programs, first-year earnings hover around $38,700, which is notably lower than what electrical installers typically earn in North Carolina. Nash Community College's program, for instance, reports actual median earnings of $52,474, suggesting this field generally pays well in the state.

That $14,000 gap matters. It could reflect differences in the specific trades covered, connections to local utilities or contractors, or simply the reality that we're working with broad national estimates rather than Cape Fear's actual placement outcomes. North Carolina's electrical sector generally offers strong wages, so the question is whether this program connects graduates to those opportunities as effectively as other state programs do.

The low estimated debt gives you breathing room—even at the lower earnings estimate, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 is favorable. But before committing, contact Cape Fear directly about their graduates' actual starting wages and which local employers hire from this program. If their outcomes align more closely with other NC programs than with the national average, this could be a solid investment. If not, you'll want to understand why.