Analysis
Based on comparable electrical engineering technology programs nationally, Jefferson College's associate degree positions graduates to earn roughly $55,000 in their first year—a solid starting point for a two-year credential. The estimated $12,000 in debt is below the national median for this field and translates to a manageable 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than three months of their first-year salary.
What makes this estimate particularly relevant is Missouri's established technical education landscape. State Technical College of Missouri, the state's flagship technical institution, reports actual first-year earnings of $50,931 for this program—suggesting Jefferson's peer-derived estimate of $54,852 aligns reasonably with Missouri market conditions. The estimated debt also tracks closely with Missouri's $12,000 state median, adding credibility to these projections.
The practical reality: electrical technicians are in steady demand across Missouri's manufacturing corridor, and an associate degree with relatively low debt provides a viable entry point. However, since these figures are derived from peer programs rather than Jefferson College's actual graduate outcomes, parents should verify current job placement rates and employer partnerships directly with the department. For a student interested in electrical systems work without committing to a four-year engineering degree, the estimated numbers suggest a reasonable path—just confirm the school delivers what similar programs typically produce.
Where Jefferson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,500 | $54,852* | — | $12,063* | — | |
| $7,830 | $50,931* | $52,473 | $12,000* | 0.24 | |
| National Median | — | $54,852* | — | $14,710* | 0.27 |
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 Jefferson College, approximately 30% 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 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.