Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Lone Star College System

The electrical transmission field in Texas commands significantly higher earnings than this program's estimated outcomes suggest. While peer programs across the state typically see graduates earning around $76,000 in their first year—a robust figure for an associate degree—comparable programs nationally indicate earnings closer to $45,000, which is what these estimates reflect. That $30,000+ gap raises questions about whether this particular program connects students to the higher-paying opportunities available in Texas's energy sector.

The estimated $12,000 in debt aligns with what similar technical programs report and creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 if the lower earnings estimate holds true. However, if graduates can actually access the higher-paying roles common in Texas's electrical transmission industry, this becomes an even stronger financial proposition. The challenge is understanding why the estimated earnings here fall so far below the state median—whether it's due to graduates working in different sectors, geographic placement, or the specific curriculum focus.

Given the wide variance between state and national outcomes in this field, you need concrete information about job placement and employer partnerships before committing. Talk directly with the program about where their graduates actually work and what they earn. If Lone Star's graduates are landing positions with the state's utilities and energy companies, this could be excellent value. If they're not, you might want to look at Texas State Technical College, which reports the higher state-typical earnings.