Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,806
Est. from MN median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,000
Est. from national median (19 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs in Minnesota, this electrical trades pathway suggests solid financial footing with estimated first-year earnings around $47,800 against borrowing of roughly $12,000—a debt load you could reasonably tackle in a year or two of focused repayment. Other Minnesota technical colleges report actual outcomes in this same range, from $44,700 to nearly $54,000, which suggests the state estimate is grounded in real program performance rather than wishful thinking.

The electrical trades generally reward technical credentials quickly, and this field is no exception. Similar programs across the state place graduates in work that covers their educational investment without the burden that drags down many four-year degrees. The quarter-to-one debt-to-earnings ratio here is precisely where you want a two-year technical program to land—manageable debt for entry into steady work.

The caveat is that we're working from peer program data rather than this specific campus's outcomes, so your child's actual results will depend on Minnesota State's curriculum quality, industry connections, and how well they prepare students for licensure. Talk to current students or recent graduates if you can, and ask the school directly about job placement rates and employer partnerships. But the fundamentals look sound: this is the kind of credential that should pay for itself relatively quickly in a state with consistent demand for skilled electrical workers.

Where Minnesota State Community and Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls$5,900$47,806*$12,000*
Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount$6,419$53,566*$54,519$12,947*0.24
Dunwoody College of TechnologyMinneapolis$25,659$47,888*$61,041$14,966*0.31
Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls$6,484$47,723*$68,336$12,000*0.25
Northwest Technical CollegeBemidji$6,246$44,727**
National Median$44,727*$12,748*0.29
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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 Minnesota State Community and Technical College, approximately 25% 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 median of 4 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.