Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,532
Est. from national median (29 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,875
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs across the country, this heavy equipment maintenance degree appears to position graduates for stronger earnings than what similar programs in Alabama typically deliver. While Enterprise State's specific outcomes aren't available due to small class sizes, national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $55,500—nearly 50% higher than the $37,600 median for Alabama's equipment maintenance programs. That's a significant gap worth understanding.

The estimated debt load of roughly $11,900 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, meaning graduates would owe about two months' salary. This is reasonable for a technical credential, particularly in a field where hands-on skills command value in the job market. The challenge is knowing whether Enterprise State's program actually produces those national-level outcomes or performs closer to Alabama's lower state average. Equipment maintenance programs vary widely based on industry partnerships, equipment access, and regional job markets.

Before committing, find out where Enterprise State's recent graduates actually work and what they earn. Talk to the program director about job placement rates and starting wages for their specific graduates—not national estimates. If the school connects students to employers outside Alabama's traditional market or has partnerships with industrial operations paying competitive wages, the investment likely makes sense. If outcomes track closer to the state median, you're looking at a more modest but still viable return.

Where Enterprise State Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Enterprise State Community CollegeEnterprise$5,040$55,532*$11,875*
Gadsden State Community CollegeGadsden$4,032$37,595*$65,480*
National Median$55,532*$12,000*0.22
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

$106,580/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Millwrights

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Rail Car Repairers

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

$62,580/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.

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 Enterprise State Community College, approximately 35% 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 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.