Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,716
Est. from national median (163 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$7,416
Est. from national median (56 programs)

Analysis

Electrical and power transmission work demands technical precision and carries real physical risk, which makes the earnings gap here particularly striking. Similar programs in North Carolina report first-year earnings around $52,474—roughly $14,000 more than the national benchmark this program tracks to. While we can't know Edgecombe's actual outcomes without reported data, that difference matters in a field where you're often working with live electrical systems.

The estimated debt of $7,416 is manageable—about half what peer programs typically carry nationally—which provides some cushion against the uncertainty. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 suggests most graduates should handle repayment comfortably, assuming earnings align with these estimates. For a community college serving nearly half Pell Grant students, keeping costs this controlled is meaningful.

The real question is whether Edgecombe's training connects students to the higher-paying opportunities that clearly exist in North Carolina's electrical sector. Nash Community College, just 30 miles west, reports those $52,000+ outcomes—proof that certificate holders can command stronger wages right out of the gate. Without actual data from Edgecombe, you're essentially betting that their industry partnerships and curriculum deliver similar results. Check their job placement specifics and ask directly about first-year wages for recent graduates before committing.

Where Edgecombe Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (43 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Edgecombe Community CollegeTarboro$2,640$38,716*—$7,416*—
Nash Community CollegeRocky Mount$2,883$52,474*$58,750—*—
National Median—$38,716*—$9,500*0.25
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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 Edgecombe Community College, approximately 47% 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 163 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.