Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park

Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park presents an interesting financial puzzle for this electrical program. While graduates carry $19,858 in debt—considerably more than the national median of $12,748—their first-year earnings of $40,219 mean they're looking at a debt load equal to half a year's salary. That's a manageable ratio, though it becomes less appealing when you consider that comparable programs nationwide typically get students to similar earnings with 40% less debt. The 68% Pell grant rate suggests this program serves a population that may have fewer alternatives, making that debt differential particularly important.

Here's what matters: among Illinois programs, this one sits at the median for both earnings and debt, so if you're committed to staying in-state, you're not getting a worse deal than other local options. But nationally, graduates here earn about $4,500 less than peers at other schools. For students who can access programs in neighboring states like Indiana or Wisconsin, it's worth comparing total costs and typical outcomes. The electrical trades typically offer stable employment, but you want to minimize debt when possible since earnings tend to plateau relatively early in these careers.

The straightforward takeaway: this program will get your child working in the electrical field with debt they can realistically repay within a few years. Just make sure you've compared the total cost against other technical schools in the region before committing.