Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Metropolitan Community College Area
Associate's Degree
mccneb.eduAnalysis
Industrial equipment maintenance programs nationally produce solid technical careers, and the trajectory here suggests Metropolitan Community College follows that pattern. While small cohort sizes mean the college's specific outcomes aren't publicly reported, peer programs across the country show first-year earnings around $55,500—a respectable starting point for a two-year degree. What matters more is where graduates land four years out: the actual reported figure of nearly $75,000 indicates these skills command real market value as workers gain experience.
The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 creates a manageable 0.21 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates would need to commit about a fifth of their first year's salary to student loans—a comfortable position for a skilled trade. This financial picture aligns with what similar equipment maintenance programs deliver nationally, where the combination of moderate borrowing and steady earning potential makes the credential economically viable.
For parents weighing this path, the central question is whether their student has the mechanical aptitude and interest to stick with industrial work. The earnings growth from year one to year four is substantial, but it likely requires hands-on competence and willingness to work in shop environments. If your child fits that profile, this represents a practical investment with limited downside risk—the debt is containable even if earnings fall short of projections.
Where Metropolitan Community College Area Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College Area | — | $74,924 | — |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $64,355 | $73,100 | +14% |
| Ferris State University | $55,532 | $70,557 | +27% |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | $65,535 | $70,340 | +7% |
| Dakota County Technical College | $67,618 | $69,147 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,285 | $55,532* | $74,924 | $11,875* | — | |
| $5,774 | $68,422* | — | $11,667* | 0.17 | |
| $6,419 | $67,618* | $69,147 | $12,000* | 0.18 | |
| $4,656 | $66,827* | — | $12,000* | 0.18 | |
| $4,656 | $65,535* | $70,340 | $10,838* | 0.17 | |
| $4,706 | $64,355* | $73,100 | $10,250* | 0.16 | |
| National Median | — | $55,532* | — | $12,000* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Millwrights
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Rail Car Repairers
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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 Metropolitan Community College Area, approximately 20% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.