Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at New River Community College

First-year earnings of $60,183 put New River graduates well above the national benchmark of $54,852 for electrical engineering technology programs—landing at the 79th percentile nationally. That's a strong start for an associate's degree, suggesting the program connects students to solid industrial or technical positions in Virginia's manufacturing and energy sectors. The estimated debt of around $12,000 appears quite manageable compared to the $28,782 median for similar Virginia programs, though remember this figure is derived from comparable programs nationally since New River's actual graduate cohort was too small to report.

The 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio looks favorable on paper—you'd be paying back roughly two months of first-year salary in total debt. However, the 60th percentile ranking within Virginia (versus 79th nationally) suggests that while New River performs well against the broader field, outcomes vary considerably among the state's 13 programs. The relatively low Pell grant percentage also hints that this program may serve a different demographic than many community colleges, which could influence both completion rates and career outcomes in ways not captured here.

For families considering this path, the earnings data is encouraging and the estimated debt burden appears light. The main uncertainty is whether your student will match these estimated debt levels—individual borrowing can vary significantly. If they're mechanically inclined and interested in hands-on technical work rather than a four-year engineering degree, this program offers a practical entry point to careers that pay middle-class wages immediately after graduation.