Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Centura College-Norfolk

Starting at $20,928 annually puts graduates of this program in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Virginia's electrical installation programs—earning barely more than half what the state's median program produces. While the debt load itself isn't catastrophic at $14,750, borrowing that much to earn barely above minimum wage creates a financially precarious situation that should concern any parent.

The comparison to nearby alternatives is stark. Danville Community College graduates earn nearly triple what this program's graduates make, while even Tidewater Community College—another accessible option—produces starting salaries of $36,232. Given that 74% of Centura students receive Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched and particularly vulnerable to low-earning outcomes. The electrical trades typically offer solid middle-class wages, but this program isn't delivering those results for its graduates.

For the cost of this certificate, your child could pursue the same credential at a Virginia community college and likely double their first-year earnings. Unless there are compelling logistical reasons to choose Centura-Norfolk specifically, the data suggests looking at alternative programs—even if it means a longer commute. The gap between this program's outcomes and what the field typically offers is too wide to ignore.