Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Ferris State University

At $12,000 in estimated debt, this program appears manageable compared to the $14,907 national median for electrical/electronics maintenance associate's degrees—though both figures come from peer institutions rather than Ferris State's actual graduates. The estimated first-year earnings of $45,298 align exactly with the national median, suggesting this credential typically delivers middle-of-the-road outcomes in a field where top-performing programs push graduates past $53,000 in their first year.

The 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, meaning graduates from similar programs can expect to owe roughly three months of their annual salary. For skilled trades work, this positions the degree as potentially cost-effective, especially if graduates move quickly into higher-paying positions as they gain experience. However, the lack of reported data from any Michigan programs makes it difficult to assess how Ferris State specifically compares to in-state alternatives, where job markets and employer relationships can significantly impact outcomes.

The key question is whether this particular program connects students to Michigan's electrical maintenance employers as effectively as trade-focused competitors. Given the estimates here, you're essentially betting on Ferris State's reputation and industry connections without concrete evidence of graduate outcomes. If your child can speak directly with recent alumni or verify job placement rates through the program office, that would provide the certainty these estimated figures cannot.