Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. Graduates earn $28,945 in their first year—below both the national median ($38,716) and other New Jersey programs—but four years out, earnings jump 37% to $39,553. That kind of momentum is unusual for certificate programs and suggests graduates are gaining traction in their field, likely moving from apprentice to journeyman positions. With debt of just $10,070, you're looking at roughly four months of second-year earnings to repay the investment.

The catch is that first year. At the 19th percentile nationally but 40th percentile in New Jersey, this program underperforms compared to electrical training programs nationwide, though it's roughly middle-of-the-pack among the 11 New Jersey options. Programs like Pennco Tech-Blackwood start graduates $4,500 higher, which compounds over time. However, Hohokus serves a predominantly low-income student population (65% Pell recipients), and the modest debt load means students aren't gambling their financial futures on that initial earnings gap.

For families prioritizing manageable debt over immediate earnings, this works—the loan burden is containable and the growth trajectory is promising. But if your child has access to programs with stronger first-year placement outcomes, that head start likely matters more than the difference in debt, especially in a trades field where early experience shapes long-term earning potential.