Analysis
Nash Community College's electrical trades program carries an estimated $12,000 in debt—manageable on its own, but the projected first-year earnings of $44,727 trail significantly behind what similar programs across North Carolina typically deliver. The state median for these associate programs sits at $57,134, meaning comparable programs elsewhere in NC suggest graduates could earn roughly $12,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're starting out, particularly in a field where hands-on training and regional employer connections can dramatically affect initial placement.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 looks reasonable in isolation, but context shifts the picture. Richmond Community College, just an hour away, reports actual graduate earnings above $73,000—a 65% premium over what peer programs nationally suggest for Nash grads. Even Robeson Community College's reported outcomes of $40,495, while lower than the state average, come with verifiable data rather than estimates drawn from national patterns that may not reflect North Carolina's robust power and electrical infrastructure market.
Given these estimates and the wide variance among NC programs, visit Nash directly to understand their specific employer partnerships and job placement outcomes. For a skilled trade where local industry relationships determine starting wages and advancement opportunities, choosing a program based solely on estimated figures derived from national patterns risks leaving substantial earnings on the table during the critical early career years.
Where Nash Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,883 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $2,552 | $73,774* | $94,294 | $11,000* | 0.15 | |
| $2,571 | $40,495* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Nash Community College, approximately 29% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.