Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Quinsigamond Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
qcc.eduAnalysis
A $9,400 debt load for a technical certificate is manageable, but the estimated $38,800 first-year earnings from comparable electrical engineering technology programs nationwide suggest this credential may underdeliver on income potential. That's roughly what many full-time warehouse or retail management positions pay in the Worcester area, despite requiring specialized technical training. For parents weighing community college options, this matters: you want technical credentials to clearly outpace non-credential alternatives, and these peer program figures don't show that margin.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 means graduates from similar programs typically earn back their educational investment in about three months—a healthy metric that should ease immediate financial pressure. However, the national data reveals significant variation in outcomes: the top quarter of electrical engineering technology programs produce first-year earnings above $57,000, nearly 50% higher than the median. This wide spread suggests program quality, local industry connections, and regional labor markets matter enormously in this field.
For a family in central Massachusetts, where Worcester's manufacturing sector offers some technical opportunities but doesn't match Boston's density of engineering firms, consider whether this certificate serves as a true career launch or just a credential. If your student plans to continue toward an associate or bachelor's degree, this could be a cost-effective first step. As a standalone credential, the estimated outcomes suggest modest but achievable returns—just ensure there's a clear employment pathway before enrolling.
Where Quinsigamond Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,974 | $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 Quinsigamond Community College, approximately 39% 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.