Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Greenville Technical College
Associate's Degree
gvltec.eduAnalysis
Industrial equipment maintenance programs across South Carolina cluster around $52,000 in first-year earnings, and Greenville Technical College appears positioned right in that range based on comparable programs. The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21—meaning graduates would owe about two months' salary, a manageable burden for a technical credential. With one-third of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves working-class students looking for accessible paths into skilled trades.
The challenge here is that both earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs nationally and within South Carolina, not tracked outcomes from Greenville Tech's specific graduates. The small cohort size that triggers data suppression isn't necessarily a red flag—specialized technical programs often enroll modest numbers—but it does mean you're making decisions with less certainty than you'd have with a larger program that reports actual data.
For a two-year degree leading to steady work in a field where equipment always needs maintenance, the financial profile looks reasonable. The modest debt load won't trap graduates even if their earnings land toward the lower end of what similar programs produce. Just recognize you're betting on Greenville Tech delivering outcomes comparable to its peers rather than evaluating its proven track record.
Where Greenville Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,639 | $55,532* | — | $11,875* | — | |
| $5,512 | $51,920* | $64,343 | $11,750* | 0.23 | |
| National Median | — | $55,532* | — | $12,000* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Millwrights
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Rail Car Repairers
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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 Greenville Technical College, approximately 33% 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 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.