Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Cleveland Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 is unusually strong for a community college technical program, suggesting this could be a solid investment—though the figures come from national peer programs rather than Cleveland's specific outcomes. With estimated debt around $12,000 and first-year earnings near $55,000, graduates would theoretically face manageable loan payments while entering a field with consistent demand for technicians who can support electrical systems and automation.

The challenge is uncertainty. North Carolina hosts 37 programs in electrical engineering technology, yet none report sufficient graduate data for meaningful comparison. This widespread data suppression across the state makes it difficult to know whether Cleveland's program performs at, above, or below the national baseline we're using here. The national figures themselves represent the middle of the pack—half of similar programs produce stronger earnings, half weaker.

For families considering this path, the estimated numbers point toward reasonable value if your student is committed to hands-on electrical work. The debt load appears light enough that even if actual outcomes fall somewhat below these projections, graduates shouldn't face crushing payments. However, before enrolling, contact Cleveland directly about job placement rates and whether their graduates stay in the region or relocate for better opportunities—local labor market conditions will matter more than national averages for determining this program's real-world return.