Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Hillsborough Community College

This certificate appears to position graduates right in the middle of the pack for Florida electronics programs, with estimated first-year earnings around $35,200 based on comparable programs statewide. That's essentially matching the state median but falling well short of what nearby Futura Career Institute grads earn ($42,000). The estimated debt load of $7,625 is notably lighter than both the state and national medians, which matters when you're entering a field where earnings can vary by $15,000 depending on which program you choose.

The debt-to-earnings picture looks manageable—borrowing roughly 22 cents for every dollar of first-year income is reasonable for a technical credential. These estimates suggest a pathway to middle-income earnings without crushing debt, though parents should recognize the outcome range: similar Florida programs produce graduates earning anywhere from $25,000 to $42,000 annually. Location, employer connections, and the specific electronics specialty matter enormously in this field.

Given that 42% of students here receive Pell grants, the lower debt burden is particularly important. For families trying to minimize borrowing while gaining technical skills, this estimated cost structure looks workable. The key question is whether Hillsborough's industry connections in Tampa can help graduates land on the higher end of that earnings range rather than the lower.