Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Pikes Peak State College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
pikespeak.eduAnalysis
Colorado's electrical engineering technology programs show significant variation, but Pikes Peak's certificate appears positioned in the middle of the cost-to-benefit spectrum. Based on national patterns for similar certificates, graduates typically start around $38,800—a manageable foundation for technical work, though well below the $57,000 that stronger programs in this field can achieve. The estimated $9,400 in debt runs lower than the national median of nearly $12,000, giving this program a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 that suggests reasonable value if the estimates hold.
The real question is whether a certificate provides enough depth for Colorado's competitive tech market. Electrical engineering technology sits between trade work and engineering—graduates often support engineers or work in installation and maintenance rather than design. Starting near $39,000 in Colorado Springs could work if it leads to advancement, but the gap to top-performing programs is substantial enough to matter over a career.
For families, the lower debt estimate makes this less risky than many alternatives, but remember these figures come from peer programs nationally, not Pikes Peak's actual outcomes. Before committing, talk to the program about job placement specifics and whether local employers prefer certificates or associate degrees for entry-level positions. The relatively low cost provides some cushion if advancement proves slower than expected.
Where Pikes Peak State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,302 | $38,804* | — | $9,399* | — | |
| $4,706 | $69,924* | — | $7,000* | 0.10 | |
| $4,656 | $60,381* | — | $8,396* | 0.14 | |
| $2,370 | $59,679* | — | $12,269* | 0.21 | |
| $4,848 | $57,533* | $45,206 | $7,999* | 0.14 | |
| $5,714 | $56,971* | — | $14,789* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $38,804* | — | $11,976* | 0.31 |
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 Pikes Peak State College, approximately 31% 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 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.