Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
hgtc.eduAnalysis
Is an electrical engineering technology certificate worth pursuing when you're working with estimated figures? The challenge here is straightforward: while similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,800, we can't know if Horry-Georgetown's specific outcomes match that benchmark. What we do know is the estimated debt load of $9,400 creates a manageable 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio—roughly three months of gross pay. That's far better than many certificate programs, where debt can quickly spiral relative to earning potential.
The broader picture for electrical engineering technology certificates shows significant variation. Nationally, top programs push earnings to $57,400 or higher, while others cluster near the $38,800 median. Since this program serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (39%), it's likely designed for students seeking immediate workforce entry rather than premium salaries. The question becomes whether your student can position themselves in the upper range of outcomes through internships, specialized skills, or targeting industrial employers in the region.
The practical reality: you're betting on a relatively affordable credential in a field with clear workforce demand, but without concrete data showing how Horry-Georgetown's graduates actually fare. Before committing, contact the program directly to ask about job placement rates and typical employer partners—information they should readily provide even if the DOE data is suppressed due to small cohort size.
Where Horry-Georgetown Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,468 | $38,804* | — | $9,399* | — | |
| $4,706 | $69,924* | — | $7,000* | 0.10 | |
| $4,656 | $60,381* | — | $8,396* | 0.14 | |
| $2,370 | $59,679* | — | $12,269* | 0.21 | |
| $4,848 | $57,533* | $45,206 | $7,999* | 0.14 | |
| $5,714 | $56,971* | — | $14,789* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $38,804* | — | $11,976* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Horry-Georgetown Technical College, approximately 39% 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 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.