Location: Big Stone Gap, VA•In-State Tuition: $4,863•Out-of-State Tuition: $10,866
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,538
Est. from VA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,399
Est. from VA median (4 programs)

Analysis

In Virginia's Appalachian region, electrical technology certificates represent a tangible pathway to skilled trades work. Based on comparable programs across Virginia, graduates typically see first-year earnings around $48,500—well above the national median of $38,800 for this credential and notably higher than similar short-term technical programs. The estimated debt of roughly $9,400 creates a manageable 0.19 ratio, meaning less than three months of earnings to cover the full loan balance.

The wide variation among Virginia programs—ranging from $39,200 to over $57,500—highlights how local industrial presence shapes outcomes. Mountain Empire serves a rural area where manufacturing and utility work may not offer the same immediate opportunities as Hampton Roads or Southside Virginia, but the estimated figures suggest decent earning potential relative to the credential's brevity and cost. With 41% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class families seeking practical skills training.

The key consideration is that these estimates derive from a small pool of Virginia programs, not Mountain Empire's actual graduate outcomes. For families in Southwest Virginia weighing community college options, the low debt burden makes this a reasonable bet if electrical work aligns with regional job openings—but confirming local employer demand and talking to recent graduates from this specific program would help validate whether it delivers on the promise suggested by peer schools.

Where Mountain Empire Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Mountain Empire Community College (estimated ±10%)Other electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mountain Empire Community CollegeBig Stone Gap$4,863$48,538*—$9,399*—
Danville Community CollegeDanville$4,848$57,533*$45,206$7,999*0.14
Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk$5,714$56,971*—$14,789*0.26
Virginia Western Community CollegeRoanoke$5,256$40,104*——*—
Brightpoint Community CollegeChester$4,938$39,204*—$9,000*0.23
National Median—$38,804*—$11,976*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

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:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Mountain Empire Community College, approximately 41% 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 VA. Actual outcomes may vary.