Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at National Career Education

National Career Education's electrical program starts students at $36,261—below both the state median ($41,498) and national average—but shows strong momentum with 29% earnings growth by year four. The $8,867 debt load is notably lower than California's typical $11,725 for this program, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 that students can reasonably handle.

The challenge is competitive positioning. Ranking in the 40th percentile among California's 50 electrical programs means graduates from schools like LA Trade Tech earn $14,000 more annually right out of the gate. While the strong year-four earnings of $46,753 help close that gap, students are still catching up to what top programs deliver immediately. The below-median starting salary matters in a field where many entry positions pay well—you're essentially betting on growth rather than strong initial placement.

For families prioritizing low debt and willing to accept slower initial earnings in exchange for solid long-term prospects, this program makes financial sense. The debt is manageable and the trajectory is positive. But if your child needs immediate income or you're comparing offers, California has programs that combine similar debt levels with substantially higher starting salaries. This works as an affordable entry point, not a competitive advantage.