Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at J F Ingram State Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
istc.eduAnalysis
Heavy equipment maintenance programs typically offer strong entry points into industrial trades, and the estimated numbers here suggest why. With peer programs nationally showing first-year earnings around $50,500 and debt loads near $8,800, graduates face manageable financial pressure—that 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly two months of gross income covers the entire educational investment. Similar programs across the country consistently produce earnings that far outpace the modest borrowing required.
The catch is that these are purely estimates derived from 51 comparable programs nationally, since J F Ingram's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly reported due to small cohort sizes. Alabama has 13 schools offering this credential, but none have published earnings data, making it impossible to assess how this specific program compares locally. What we do know is that industrial equipment maintenance remains in steady demand across manufacturing and construction sectors, particularly in Alabama's automotive and aerospace industries.
For parents, the estimated financial picture looks workable, but you're essentially betting on whether J F Ingram's training matches the quality of successful programs elsewhere. Before committing, speak directly with the program about graduate placement rates, employer relationships, and which certifications students earn—these concrete details matter more than national averages when the actual outcomes remain unknown.
Where J F Ingram State Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,084 | $50,524* | — | $8,796* | — | |
| — | $70,305* | $44,869 | —* | — | |
| $17,490 | $70,010* | $63,621 | $14,100* | 0.20 | |
| $4,656 | $69,378* | — | $5,625* | 0.08 | |
| $4,860 | $66,358* | — | $10,500* | 0.16 | |
| $4,706 | $65,743* | — | $9,250* | 0.14 | |
| National Median | — | $50,524* | — | $9,500* | 0.19 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Millwrights
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Rail Car Repairers
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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 J F Ingram State Technical College, approximately 0% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.