Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Pratt Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
prattcc.eduAnalysis
Pratt Community College's electrical power program stands out in an unusual way: graduates earn $57,103 within a year while carrying just $5,500 in debt—outperforming 94% of similar programs nationwide. Among Kansas schools training electrical installers, only Manhattan Area Technical College comes close, and Pratt's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 is exceptional. Students here borrow less than half the state median while earning $15,000 more.
The financial math is straightforward. With first-year earnings covering the total debt ten times over, graduates can realistically clear their loans within months if they prioritize it. This contrasts sharply with the national picture, where typical electrical installer programs saddle students with $9,500 in debt for jobs paying around $39,000. Pratt's combination of low borrowing and strong industry connections appears to deliver exactly what a certificate program should: quick entry into well-paying work without the debt burden that undermines the value of many shorter credentials.
For families in Kansas or nearby states considering trade programs, this represents a clear path to solid income without gambling on four-year debt loads. The electrical power industry offers stable demand, and graduates here enter it with minimal financial burden and above-average earning potential.
Where Pratt Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Pratt Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pratt Community CollegePratt | $4,064 | $57,103 | — | $5,500 | 0.10 |
 Manhattan Area Technical CollegeManhattan | $9,276 | $50,897 | $63,572 | — | — |
 Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City | $3,150 | $42,224 | — | — | — |
 Washburn Institute of TechnologyTopeka | $9,120 | $37,254 | $47,476 | $9,500 | 0.26 |
 Washburn UniversityTopeka | $9,578 | $37,254 | $47,476 | $9,500 | 0.26 |
| National Median | — | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Pratt Community College, approximately 19% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.