Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Montana Technological University
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Montana Tech's electrical maintenance certificate punches well above its weight class. Starting earnings of $63,098 nearly double the national median for this program ($34,287), placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationwide. While that ranks at the 60th percentile within Montana—suggesting the state's strong technical job market lifts all programs—the debt picture is exceptional anywhere: $2,750 versus the national median of $8,709 means graduates can pay off their loans in roughly two weeks of work.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.04 represents one of the best returns you'll find in technical education. Graduates earn $15 per first-year income for every $1 borrowed, and earnings continue climbing to $67,235 by year four. This steady 7% growth suggests genuine career progression rather than a dead-end job market. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) indicates a stable but selective program—not a risk flag given how consistently strong the outcomes are.
For families worried about technical programs being a "settling" choice, this data tells a different story. Montana Tech delivers trades-level debt with professional-level earnings, and the career trajectory suggests real advancement opportunities. If your student is mechanically inclined and wants to stay in Montana, this certificate offers financial security that many bachelor's degrees can't match.
Where Montana Technological University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical/electronics maintenance and repair technology 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 Montana Technological University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Montana Technological University graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all electrical/electronics maintenance and repair technology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Montana
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Montana (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Technological University | $63,098 | $67,235 | $2,750 | 0.04 |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | $63,098 | $67,235 | $2,750 | 0.04 |
| National Median | $34,287 | — | $8,709 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology Programs in Montana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Montana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands College of Montana Tech Butte | $3,980 | $63,098 | $2,750 |
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 Montana Technological University, 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.