Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at El Camino Community College District

For parents evaluating electronics maintenance training at El Camino, the estimated debt load of $12,000 is notably lower than the national median of $14,907 for similar associate degree programs—though these figures come from peer institutions rather than El Camino's own graduates. Combined with projected first-year earnings around $45,300 based on national comparable programs, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with roughly three months of gross income, which is manageable by any standard.

The challenge is California's cost of living. While similar programs nationally produce median earnings of $45,300, that income goes much further in most states than in the Los Angeles area. Electronics maintenance work is hands-on and location-bound—you can't do it remotely from a cheaper state—so your child would likely be starting their career in one of the nation's most expensive housing markets. The program serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (29%), suggesting it's designed as an accessible pathway, but the financial reality depends heavily on whether your child can live at home initially or has other cost-saving arrangements.

Given that 46 California schools offer this program but none have published outcomes data, you're essentially making a decision with limited visibility. If your child is mechanically inclined and the lower debt estimate holds true, this could work—but only with a clear plan for managing California's housing costs during those critical early earning years.