Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,778
75th percentile
80th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$14,553
29% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie 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-Grand Prairie$40,778$48,053+18%
Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi$32,364$34,770+7%
Miller-Motte College-STVT-San Antonio$32,364$34,770+7%
Southern Careers Institute-Austin$32,421$32,181-1%
Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen$32,421$32,181-1%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand PrairieGrand Prairie$40,778$48,053$14,5530.36
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$46,623
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$33,995$9,5000.28
Southern Careers Institute-AustinAustin$32,421$32,181$9,5000.29
Southern Careers Institute-HarlingenHarlingen$32,421$32,181$9,5000.29
Southern Careers Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio$32,421$32,181$9,5000.29
National Median$36,015$11,2500.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with environmental control technologies/technicians graduates

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

$59,810/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

$58,890/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

$58,260/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

$49,490/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

$48,490/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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.