Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,880
40th percentile
Median Debt
$13,532
42% above national median

Analysis

Lincoln College of Technology's electrical transmission program offers a practical pathway to stable blue-collar work, though it performs modestly compared to the national landscape. While graduates earn slightly less than the national median ($35,880 versus $38,716 in the first year), they carry exceptionally low debt—ranking in just the 7th percentile nationally at $13,532. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a reasonable timeframe.

The program's Maryland context tells a more favorable story. Among the state's three electrical transmission programs, Lincoln College ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, making it a solid middle-tier choice for Maryland residents. The 19% earnings growth from year one to year four ($35,880 to $42,521) demonstrates that graduates see meaningful salary progression as they gain experience in the field.

For parents considering this program, the key selling point is financial accessibility rather than exceptional earning potential. The combination of low debt and steady employment prospects in electrical work makes this a relatively safe investment, particularly for students seeking immediate entry into the workforce without the extended commitment and costs of a four-year degree.

Where Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia$35,880$42,521+19%
Texas State Technical College$56,597$102,458+81%
Northwest Iowa Community College$78,118$91,734+17%
Trinidad State College$73,424$86,350+18%
Chippewa Valley Technical College$60,950$83,172+36%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lincoln College of Technology-ColumbiaColumbia$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
Community College of Allegheny CountyPittsburgh$4,842$151,803$12,0000.08
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King CollegeChicago$4,380$142,516
Northwest Iowa Community CollegeSheldon$7,110$78,118$91,734$5,5000.07
Trinidad State CollegeTrinidad$4,468$73,424$86,350$3,5880.05
Arkansas State University-NewportNewport$2,856$71,039$68,328
National Median$38,716$9,5000.25

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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 Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia, approximately 53% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 330 graduates with reported earnings and 359 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.