Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College's electrical and power transmission program keeps debt remarkably low at $6,707—well below both the Michigan median and national figures—but graduates earn roughly $4,000 to $7,000 less than peers at other Michigan schools in the first year. At the 40th percentile statewide, this program sits firmly in the middle of the pack for Michigan, lagging significantly behind Northern Michigan's $53,242 outcomes but matching Michigan State's results. The silver lining is consistent earnings growth: graduates see a 21% increase to $42,407 by year four, narrowing the gap with higher-performing programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means your child would owe less than three months of first-year income—a manageable situation by any measure. However, the tradeoff is clear: lower debt comes with lower starting earnings compared to both state and national averages. For students who need to minimize borrowing or who plan to supplement this certificate with additional training, that calculus may work. But families who can afford slightly more debt might want to explore why Northern Michigan's graduates earn 50% more right out of the gate.

The real question is whether your child values immediate workforce entry with minimal debt over maximizing earning potential. This program delivers on the first promise but underperforms on the second.