Analysis
Las Vegas's booming construction and hospitality infrastructure needs skilled electrical workers, and based on comparable programs nationally, College of Southern Nevada's associate degree appears positioned to meet that demand at a reasonable cost. The estimated $12,000 debt load—drawn from similar community college programs—would represent just over three months of first-year earnings if graduates achieve the national median of $44,727 that peer programs typically produce.
This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggests a manageable financial burden, especially for a field where hands-on credentials matter more than institutional prestige. Nevada's electrician market is robust, with multiple large-scale projects from casino renovations to solar installations creating steady demand. What's less certain is whether CSN's specific program connects students to these opportunities as effectively as alternatives like apprenticeships or trade certifications, which often lead to similar roles with less upfront debt.
The key question is trajectory: electrical work can scale from $45,000 entry positions to six-figure senior roles, but that growth depends heavily on licensure, specialization, and employer connections rather than the associate degree itself. If CSN provides direct pathways to employers like MGM Resorts or Nevada Energy—relationships the data can't capture—this program could deliver strong returns. Without that institutional support, students might achieve comparable outcomes through faster, cheaper training routes.
Where College of Southern Nevada Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,110 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $5,594 | $99,033* | $125,010 | —* | — | |
| $6,990 | $95,230* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,912 | $80,734* | $90,478 | $10,262* | 0.13 | |
| $7,192 | $76,445* | $96,478 | $11,668* | 0.15 | |
| $2,552 | $73,774* | $94,294 | $11,000* | 0.15 | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 College of Southern Nevada, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.