Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians at Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie delivers exceptional value in environmental control technologies, ranking in the 80th percentile among Texas programs and 75th percentile nationally. Your child would graduate with median earnings of $40,778—significantly above both the national median ($36,015) and Texas median ($32,421) for this field. The program's graduates earn $8,357 more than typical Texas graduates in this program, which translates to meaningful financial advantages early in their careers.
The debt picture is remarkably favorable. At $14,553, graduates carry only slightly more debt than the Texas median ($9,500), but this premium pays off quickly given the higher earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 is quite manageable, and the program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. Strong 18% earnings growth from year one to four suggests good career advancement potential.
While this isn't the highest-earning environmental control program in Texas (Austin Community College leads at $46,623), Lincoln College offers a solid middle-ground option that outperforms most competitors while keeping debt reasonable. For a certificate program serving a significant population of Pell Grant recipients, these outcomes represent strong return on investment and faster entry into a stable technical field.
Where Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all environmental control technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all environmental control technologies/technicians certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie | $40,778 | $48,053 | $14,553 | 0.36 |
| Austin Community College District | $46,623 | — | — | — |
| Texas State Technical College | $33,995 | — | $9,500 | 0.28 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Austin | $32,421 | $32,181 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen | $32,421 | $32,181 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio | $32,421 | $32,181 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $36,015 | — | $11,250 | 0.31 |
Other Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $46,623 | — |
| Texas State Technical College Waco | $7,192 | $33,995 | $9,500 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Austin Austin | — | $32,421 | $9,500 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen Harlingen | — | $32,421 | $9,500 |
| Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio San Antonio | — | $32,421 | $9,500 |
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-Grand Prairie, approximately 59% 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 765 graduates with reported earnings and 774 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.