Analysis
Based on data from similar Texas programs, Del Mar's electrical engineering technology associate's degree appears to offer solid entry-level earnings around $58,500—roughly matching the state median and clearing the national benchmark by about $3,700. The estimated $12,000 in student debt sits well below both the state median ($20,666) and national median ($14,710), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 that suggests graduates could realistically pay off loans within two to three years if they prioritize it.
The tradeoff here is uncertainty. With too few recent graduates to report outcomes, you're betting that Del Mar's program will perform like its peers across Texas—a group that shows reasonable consistency, with most programs producing first-year earnings between $51,000 and $64,000. The lower debt estimate is encouraging, particularly for the 33% of students receiving Pell grants who may be stretching to afford this credential. If comparable programs are any guide, this associate's degree could provide a practical pathway into electrical technology work without the extended debt burden that often accompanies bachelor's degrees.
The key question is whether Del Mar can match the performance of established programs like Victoria College or Dallas College. Without school-specific data, you're making an informed guess based on regional trends rather than proven track record. If your student is committed to staying in the Corpus Christi area and the program offers strong industry connections, the lower debt makes this a reasonable gamble—just know you're relying on peer data rather than verified outcomes.
Where Del Mar College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,440 | $58,557* | — | $12,063* | — | |
| $2,853 | $63,908* | $85,672 | —* | — | |
| $2,370 | $59,057* | — | $12,549* | 0.21 | |
| $17,488 | $58,056* | $52,465 | $28,782* | 0.50 | |
| $2,550 | $51,640* | $50,803 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $54,852* | — | $14,710* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Del Mar College, approximately 33% 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 median of 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.