Location: Willmar, MN•In-State Tuition: $6,109
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,804
Est. from national median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,399
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

A credential costing around $9,400 that leads to nearly $39,000 in first-year earnings sounds reasonable on paper, but these figures come from national peer programs rather than Ridgewater's own graduates—a crucial caveat when the state has seven other electrical engineering technology programs competing for students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 suggests this would be manageable if the actual outcomes hold up, though comparable programs nationally carry slightly higher debt loads at nearly $12,000.

The challenge here is figuring out whether Ridgewater's specific program delivers on the promise that similar programs suggest. Electrical technician roles in Minnesota's manufacturing and utility sectors can offer stable entry points into technical careers, but short-term credentials vary widely in quality and employer recognition. With one-third of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters—and at this estimated price point, the program wouldn't break the bank even if earnings come in below the national median.

Before committing, insist on placement rates and actual starting salaries for recent Ridgewater graduates in this specific program. The estimated numbers suggest a viable path, but without the school's real outcomes data, you're betting that their results mirror the national average rather than lag behind it.

Where Ridgewater College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Ridgewater College (estimated ±10%)Other electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ridgewater CollegeWillmar$6,109$38,804*—$9,399*—
Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington$4,706$69,924*—$7,000*0.10
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeBowling Green$4,656$60,381*—$8,396*0.14
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$59,679*—$12,269*0.21
Danville Community CollegeDanville$4,848$57,533*$45,206$7,999*0.14
Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk$5,714$56,971*—$14,789*0.26
National Median—$38,804*—$11,976*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Ridgewater College, approximately 34% 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.