Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Great Basin College

Based on comparable associate programs nationally, Great Basin College's electrical technology track appears financially manageable, with an estimated debt load of $12,063—well below both the national median of $14,710 and especially Nevada's $28,782 average for this field. What makes this program particularly noteworthy is the trajectory: while first-year earnings estimates hover around $55,000, actual reported outcomes show graduates earning $85,300 by year four, a substantial jump that suggests these technicians gain value rapidly through workplace experience.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means students would owe roughly three months of their first year's salary, a comfortable position that should allow for quick payoff. However, it's worth noting that DeVry's Nevada graduates reportedly start at $58,000, about $3,000 higher than what peer programs nationally suggest for Great Basin—though this gap appears to close significantly within a few years based on the four-year earnings data.

For families concerned about return on investment in technical education, this program's combination of modest estimated debt and strong mid-career earnings makes it a solid bet, particularly if your student is willing to stick with the field long enough to see those year-four gains materialize. The low debt burden provides breathing room even if early-career earnings fall short of projections.