Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College's electrical trades certificate presents a split verdict that depends on your perspective. While earnings of $32,356 trail the national median by about $6,000—placing graduates near the bottom third nationally—the program actually performs at the state median and ranks in the 60th percentile among South Carolina's electrical training programs. The real standout here is debt: at just $5,500, it's nearly half the national median and translates to a 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly two months' salary.

For families concerned about educational debt, this represents a low-risk pathway into skilled trades work. The earnings may seem modest compared to programs in other states, but they're competitive for South Carolina, and the minimal debt load means graduates start building equity immediately rather than spending years in repayment. This matters especially given that 39% of students here receive Pell grants—this is genuinely accessible training.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. But the fundamental trade-off is clear: you're not getting top-tier earnings, but you're also not gambling with substantial debt. For a student seeking quick entry to steady electrical work in the Carolinas without the burden of loans, this certificate does exactly what it should.