Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Idaho State University

The trades can offer solid financial returns, and this electronics maintenance program appears positioned in the middle of the pack based on what we see from similar programs nationwide. With estimated first-year earnings around $45,300 and debt likely near $12,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests graduates would owe roughly three months' salary—manageable territory for a two-year degree. Nationally, associate's programs in electrical and electronics maintenance show median earnings at this same level, though top-performing programs push graduates closer to $54,000.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Because this specific program's outcomes aren't publicly reported (too few graduates to meet federal privacy thresholds), we're relying on what peer programs nationally typically produce. Idaho State is one of only two schools in the state offering this credential, which could mean either limited local competition or limited local demand—it's hard to say without enrollment trends. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (27%) suggests this isn't primarily serving lower-income students who might be most debt-sensitive.

For parents, the estimated numbers look reasonable on paper, but you're essentially betting on Idaho State's program performing like the national median rather than knowing its actual track record. If your student is committed to electronics maintenance work and this location works logistically, the projected debt burden isn't alarming. But given the data limitations, talking directly with program graduates about job placement and employer connections matters more than usual here.