Analysis
Based on comparable electrical and power transmission programs nationwide, Lewis-Clark State College's associate degree appears positioned around the median for both outcomes and cost. The estimated first-year earnings of $44,727 align with the national middle ground for this field, while the projected debt of $12,000 sits slightly below the typical $12,748 burden—suggesting a relatively affordable path into skilled trades work.
The 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a straightforward story: graduates would owe roughly three months of their first year's salary. For a two-year technical program leading to hands-on electrical work, this represents manageable debt that could realistically be paid down within a few years of steady employment. The electrical trades typically offer clear advancement paths and strong job security, factors that matter beyond just the starting number.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes from Lewis-Clark State or its Idaho peers, you're making decisions based entirely on what similar programs produce elsewhere. The national benchmarks show significant variation—top programs reach $55,000 in first-year earnings—but there's no way to know where this specific program lands. If your child is committed to staying in Idaho for this training, visit the campus, talk to recent graduates if possible, and verify employer connections in the region before committing.
Where Lewis-Clark State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,388 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $5,594 | $99,033* | $125,010 | —* | — | |
| $6,990 | $95,230* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,912 | $80,734* | $90,478 | $10,262* | 0.13 | |
| $7,192 | $76,445* | $96,478 | $11,668* | 0.15 | |
| $2,552 | $73,774* | $94,294 | $11,000* | 0.15 | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Lewis-Clark State College, approximately 24% 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.