Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Erie Community College

Within New York's electrical maintenance programs, Erie Community College lands near the middle of the pack with first-year earnings of $39,218—slightly above the state median of $38,316. However, these graduates face a significant national disadvantage: they're earning about $6,000 less than the typical associate's degree holder in this field elsewhere in the country. Based on comparable programs at similar institutions, students typically carry around $12,000 in debt at graduation, which translates to a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The concern here isn't affordability—the estimated debt load is relatively modest—but rather the earnings ceiling. New York's electrical maintenance graduates consistently earn less than their counterparts in other states, regardless of which community college they attend. This appears to be a regional market issue rather than a school-specific problem. For students planning to stay in the Buffalo area, Erie's outcomes align with local expectations and the debt burden won't be crushing. But families should recognize they're investing in training for a field that simply doesn't command premium wages in New York.

The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to staying in Western New York and wants hands-on technical work, this program offers reasonable value with modest debt. But if they're open to relocating after graduation, research what this same credential earns in states with stronger demand for electrical technicians—the gap could be substantial enough to justify considering out-of-state options.