Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,569
46th percentile (60th in CT)
Median Debt
$14,120
49% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
441
Adequate data

Analysis

Porter & Chester Institute's Bridgeport location offers one of the better electrical transmission programs in Connecticut, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings while keeping debt remarkably low. At $14,120 in median debt—well below the state median of $13,532 and just 5th percentile nationally—graduates aren't burdened with the heavy debt loads common in technical training.

The earnings trajectory tells a solid story: starting salaries of $37,569 grow to nearly $47,000 within four years, representing 25% growth that keeps pace with career advancement in the electrical trades. While initial earnings lag slightly behind the national median by about $1,100, Connecticut graduates actually out-earn their state peers by nearly $1,000, suggesting the program provides competitive preparation for the local job market.

For parents weighing this investment, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates can realistically manage their loan payments while building toward middle-class earnings. The electrical transmission field offers stable employment prospects, and this program's combination of reasonable debt and solid Connecticut market positioning makes it a practical choice for students seeking direct entry into the skilled trades.

Where Porter & Chester Institute Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally

Porter & Chester InstituteOther electrical and power transmission installers programs

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 Porter & Chester Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Porter & Chester Institute graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 46th 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 Connecticut

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Porter & Chester Institute$37,569$46,926$14,1200.38
Porter & Chester Institute of Hamden$39,745$40,056$14,1200.36
Industrial Management Training Institute$37,876$37,864$9,5000.25
Lincoln Technical Institute-East Windsor$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
National Median$38,716—$9,5000.25

Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in Connecticut

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Porter & Chester Institute of Hamden
Hamden
$14,337$39,745$14,120
Industrial Management Training Institute
Waterbury
—$37,876$9,500
Lincoln Technical Institute-East Windsor
East Windsor
—$35,880$13,532
Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain
New Britain
—$35,880$13,532
Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton
Shelton
—$35,880$13,532

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 Porter & Chester Institute, approximately 47% 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 441 graduates with reported earnings and 451 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.