Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Marshalltown Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Marshalltown Community College charges just $6,837 for an electrical installer certificate that puts graduates to work immediately at $43,768—a debt load they could theoretically pay off in two months. That 0.16 debt-to-earnings ratio is exceptional for any career training program, giving students a genuine fast track into skilled trades without the financial burden that comes with longer degree programs.
The earnings picture shows some interesting nuances. While Marshalltown graduates out-earn the national median by $5,000 and land in the 65th percentile nationally, they're actually below Iowa's state median of $43,983, placing them near the middle of the pack among Iowa's seven programs. This matters because Northwest Iowa Community College graduates earn nearly double at $78,118, suggesting significant variation in either curriculum focus or local job market access. Still, Marshalltown's outcomes beat over 60% of programs nationwide, and the relatively low debt keeps the value proposition strong.
For families seeking affordable skilled trades training with quick workforce entry, this certificate delivers. The combination of minimal debt and immediate earning potential makes it a low-risk option, even if it doesn't lead to the highest-paying electrical work available in Iowa. Parents should understand that career growth in this field often comes through on-the-job experience and apprenticeships rather than the certificate alone, making the low upfront cost particularly advantageous.
Where Marshalltown Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers 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 Marshalltown Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Marshalltown Community College graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all electrical and power transmission installers certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshalltown Community College | $43,768 | — | $6,837 | 0.16 |
| Northwest Iowa Community College | $78,118 | $91,734 | $5,500 | 0.07 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | $44,198 | $45,949 | — | — |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | $35,556 | $46,870 | — | — |
| National Median | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon | $7,110 | $78,118 | $5,500 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar | $6,600 | $44,198 | — |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City | $5,042 | $35,556 | — |
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 Marshalltown Community College, approximately 21% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.