Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Fort Hays Tech North Central
Associate's Degree
fhtechnc.eduAnalysis
This electrical and power transmission program faces a significant challenge: peer programs in Kansas typically produce first-year earnings around $57,325, while estimates based on national benchmarks suggest Fort Hays Tech North Central's graduates might start closer to $44,727—a gap of nearly $13,000. That's meaningful money when you're beginning a technical career, especially when other Kansas schools offering this same credential appear to connect graduates with stronger earning opportunities right out of the gate.
The estimated debt load of $12,000 remains manageable regardless—you're looking at roughly three months of gross pay based on the national estimate, or less than two months based on what similar Kansas programs achieve. The real question is whether this program provides the connections and training that translate to the stronger Kansas market wages, or whether graduates find themselves tracking closer to the lower national average. Technical fields like this often depend heavily on regional employer relationships and apprenticeship pipelines.
Before committing, find out where Fort Hays Tech's graduates actually land jobs and what they're earning in their first positions. The $13,000 differential between state and national benchmarks isn't just statistical noise—it could represent the difference between a program with strong local industry ties and one that's simply credentialing students without the same employer connections.
Where Fort Hays Tech North Central Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays Tech North Central | — | $45,640 | — |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College | $99,033 | $125,010 | +26% |
| Texas State Technical College | $76,445 | $96,478 | +26% |
| Richmond Community College | $73,774 | $94,294 | +28% |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $80,734 | $90,478 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,208 | $44,727* | $45,640 | $12,000* | — | |
| $4,064 | $57,325* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Tech North Central, approximately 20% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.