Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell Technical College turns out electricians earning $60,565 right after graduation—nearly 60% more than the national median for this credential—with just $5,500 in debt. That's one month's salary to repay, an almost unheard-of ratio for any college program. By year four, these graduates are clearing nearly $80,000, putting them well ahead of most bachelor's degree holders nationally.

The strong earnings growth (32% over four years) suggests these graduates are advancing into supervisory or specialized roles rather than hitting a ceiling. While Mitchell ranks at the 60th percentile among South Dakota's two electrical programs, that's somewhat misleading context—it's still outperforming 95% of similar programs nationwide. The minimal debt load means even if your child's earnings tracked closer to the national median, they'd still be in excellent financial shape.

The real story here is what you're not paying for: no inflated tuition, no years lost to general education requirements, and no gambling on whether a four-year degree will actually translate to higher wages than skilled trades. Your child could start earning serious money before their high school friends finish sophomore year of college, with almost no debt dragging down those early paychecks. For families focused on ROI rather than prestige, this program delivers exceptionally well.