Analysis
North Idaho College's electrical engineering technology program appears positioned to deliver solid value, though we're working with estimates here since the graduate pool is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates typically start around $55,000βa respectable return for an associate degree that gets students into the workforce quickly. The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 sits comfortably below both the national and Idaho medians for this field, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 that suggests manageable repayment.
The technical skills from this program align well with Idaho's growing manufacturing and technology sectors, where hands-on electrical expertise stays in demand. With only three schools in Idaho offering this credential, competition for seats may be limited, but so is your ability to comparison shop with hard data. The gap between estimated debt here and the state median suggests North Idaho College may offer a cost advantage, though without reported outcomes from peer Idaho programs, it's difficult to confirm whether this translates to similar earning power locally.
For families weighing this investment, the numbers suggest a workable financial pictureβless than three months' salary in debt for training that leads to middle-income work. Just recognize you're making this decision on projections from similar programs elsewhere, not this school's actual track record.
Where North Idaho College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,396 | $54,852* | β | $12,063* | β | |
| $4,670 | $109,198* | β | $11,083* | 0.10 | |
| $5,195 | $89,460* | $97,691 | $14,236* | 0.16 | |
| $4,706 | $71,070* | β | β* | β | |
| $5,639 | $69,797* | β | β* | β | |
| $4,872 | $68,590* | $62,046 | $10,669* | 0.16 | |
| National Median | β | $54,852* | β | $14,710* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 North Idaho College, approximately 25% 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 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.