Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield

InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield's electrical transmission program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally but lags behind California's stronger programs. While graduates earn $40,101 in their first year—slightly above the national median of $38,716—they fall short of California's median of $41,498, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. This gap becomes more pronounced when comparing to top California programs like Los Angeles Trade Technical College, where graduates earn $50,745.

The program's saving grace is its manageable debt load. At $11,725, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29, meaning they owe less than three months' salary. This puts the program in the 28th percentile for debt nationally—a genuinely low figure that makes the credential accessible without crushing financial burden. The 9% earnings growth over four years, while modest, shows positive trajectory.

For families seeking an affordable path into the electrical trades, this program delivers solid value despite not being among California's elite options. The combination of reasonable debt and steady middle-class earnings makes it a practical choice, particularly given that 45% of students receive Pell grants. However, if your child can access programs like LA Trade Tech, the $10,000+ earnings premium would likely justify any additional effort or cost.