Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Leech Lake Tribal College

Similar electrical programs across Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $48,000—right in line with the state median and slightly above the national benchmark. For students at a tribal college where 70% receive Pell grants, an estimated $12,000 in debt to enter this field represents a manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's roughly three months of gross income, which is relatively low risk territory for a technical credential.

The challenge with this program is that we're working entirely with estimates derived from peer institutions since Leech Lake's graduate cohort is too small for the DOE to report actual outcomes. The four Minnesota programs with reported data show a tight range—from about $45,000 to $54,000—suggesting the field is fairly consistent across schools. However, without knowing this program's specific job placement rates or curriculum quality, families are essentially betting that Leech Lake's outcomes will mirror those of Dakota County Tech or Northwest Technical.

For students seeking skilled trades training who want to stay connected to their community, this program could work well, especially given the relatively modest debt load. But the lack of program-specific data means families should dig deeper: talk to recent graduates, verify employer partnerships, and confirm that the curriculum aligns with local utility company requirements. The numbers from comparable programs look solid, but you're trusting that this particular program delivers similar results.