Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$42,224

Est. from KS median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,500

Est. from KS median (3 programs)

Analysis

Kansas offers a surprisingly wide range of outcomes for electrical and power transmission programs, with first-year earnings from similar programs spanning from $37,000 to over $57,000. Based on comparable Kansas programs, Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College's certificate appears positioned in the middle of this pack, with estimated earnings around $42,000 and debt of roughly $9,500. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 suggests graduates would owe less than three months of their first-year salary—manageable by most standards.

The challenge here isn't the debt burden but the earnings variation across Kansas schools. Some technical colleges in the state report outcomes $15,000 higher for what's essentially the same credential. Geography and employer connections likely drive these differences in the electrical trades, where local utility companies and contractors often have established pipelines with specific schools. Northwest Kansas Technical College serves a rural area, which may limit access to the highest-paying positions concentrated in larger metro areas.

For families considering this program, the key question is placement strength rather than cost. The estimated debt level won't sink anyone, but you'll want concrete data on where recent graduates actually land jobs and at what wages before committing, since peer programs suggest outcomes could reasonably fall anywhere in a $20,000 range.

Where Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (12 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeGoodland	—	$42,224*	—	$9,500*	—
Pratt Community CollegePratt	$4,064	$57,103*	—	$5,500*	0.10
Manhattan Area Technical CollegeManhattan	$9,276	$50,897*	$63,572	—*	—
Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City	$3,150	$42,224*	—	—*	—
Washburn Institute of TechnologyTopeka	$9,120	$37,254*	$47,476	$9,500*	0.26
Washburn UniversityTopeka	$9,578	$37,254*	$47,476	$9,500*	0.26
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 Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College, approximately 23% 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 median of 5 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.