Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at College of DuPage

Similar programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $44,700 for this associate degree, with estimated debt near $12,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 that falls well within manageable territory. Comparable electrical programs in Illinois show wide variation, with the one program reporting actual data showing first-year earnings of $40,219 and considerably higher debt at $19,858. If College of DuPage's outcomes track closer to national patterns than to other Illinois schools, that would represent a meaningful advantage for graduates.

The electrical trades generally offer solid earning potential without requiring a bachelor's degree, and the estimated debt load here is roughly a quarter of first-year earnings—low enough that most graduates should be able to manage payments comfortably. The challenge is that with data suppressed due to small graduate cohorts, we're working from educated guesses rather than this program's actual track record. That could mean the program is simply newer or more specialized, or it could signal enrollment concerns worth investigating.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers point toward reasonable value, but you'll want to dig deeper into program specifics: What's the completion rate? Do graduates reliably land apprenticeships or union positions? Are local electrical contractors familiar with this program? The financial picture looks promising based on peer programs, but confirmation of strong industry connections would transform this from a theoretical good bet into a confident recommendation.