Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Associate's Degree
octech.eduAnalysis
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College's electrical engineering technology program produces first-year earnings of $67,406—placing graduates well above the national median of $54,852 for this field, though slightly below South Carolina's median of $68,602. The catch? This figure comes from an estimate, as the school's graduate pool was too small for the DOE to report actual outcomes. Still, peer programs in South Carolina cluster tightly around this range (nearby Greenville Tech reports $69,797), suggesting these estimates reflect realistic market conditions for technicians in the state's manufacturing corridor.
The estimated $12,063 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in under three months of gross income. That's a strong financial position even if actual outcomes vary somewhat from these projections. Four-year earnings climbing to $79,181 indicate steady growth as technicians gain experience and certifications, a typical trajectory in this field.
The uncertainty here matters less than it might in other fields. Electrical engineering technology has consistent employer demand and relatively predictable pay scales, particularly in South Carolina's industrial regions. While you won't find confirmation that Orangeburg Calhoun specifically delivers these results, the program appears positioned similarly to peer schools that do report strong outcomes. For students already in the Orangeburg area—particularly the 43% receiving Pell grants—this represents accessible training for reliable middle-class earnings.
Where Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | $67,406 | $79,181 | +17% |
| Bismarck State College | $89,460 | $97,691 | +9% |
| Victoria College | $63,908 | $85,672 | +34% |
| Zane State College | $47,946 | $76,777 | +60% |
| CUNY Bronx Community College | $31,273 | $74,233 | +137% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,970 | $67,406 | $79,181 | $12,063* | — | |
| $5,639 | $69,797 | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $54,852 | — | $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 Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College, approximately 43% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.