Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Northwest Iowa Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Northwest Iowa Community College's electrical and power transmission program dramatically outperforms both national and state expectations. First-year graduates earn $78,118—nearly double the national median of $38,716 and 77% above Iowa's typical $43,983. This isn't just the best electrical program in Iowa; it's among the elite nationally, ranking in the 95th percentile. Even compared to the state's other top programs, Northwest Iowa pulls ahead by roughly $34,000 annually.
The debt picture adds to the appeal. At $5,500, graduates carry minimal financial burden—below even Iowa's already-reasonable median of $6,168. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.07, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than a month's salary. Strong earnings growth to $91,734 by year four (a 17% increase) suggests this program connects students to career pathways with staying power, not just entry-level positions.
The one consideration is the moderate sample size, which means outcomes could shift year to year. But the fundamentals here are exceptional: high earnings, low debt, and clear upward trajectory. For students interested in skilled trades with strong wage potential, this represents one of the better educational investments available in Iowa's community college system.
Where Northwest Iowa Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Northwest Iowa Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwest Iowa Community College graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all electrical and power transmission installers certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Iowa Community College | $78,118 | $91,734 | $5,500 | 0.07 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | $44,198 | $45,949 | — | — |
| Marshalltown Community College | $43,768 | — | $6,837 | 0.16 |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | $35,556 | $46,870 | — | — |
| National Median | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar | $6,600 | $44,198 | — |
| Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown | $5,304 | $43,768 | $6,837 |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City | $5,042 | $35,556 | — |
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 Northwest Iowa Community College, approximately 15% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 67 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.