Analysis
Similar programs across Minnesota suggest Saint Paul College's power transmission program produces first-year earnings around $48,000 against estimated debt of $12,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 that means graduates could theoretically clear their loans in roughly three months of gross pay. For a skilled trade credential, that's a solid financial foundation, particularly given that 40% of students here receive Pell grants and are likely seeking faster routes to stable employment than four-year degrees typically provide.
The challenge with this specific program is that actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly available due to small cohort sizes, so we're relying on what peer Minnesota programs typically produce. Those comparison schools—Dakota County Tech, Dunwoody, Minnesota West—show reported earnings between $44,700 and $53,600 for their first-year graduates, suggesting consistency across the state but also meaningful variation. Where Saint Paul College falls within that range for its own graduates remains uncertain.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated figures point toward manageable debt and earnings that exceed the national median for this field. The electrical trades generally offer strong long-term career trajectories with opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles or specialization. However, before committing, contact Saint Paul's career services to ask about actual job placement rates and whether their specific curriculum aligns with local utility companies and contractors who hire in the Twin Cities market—those connections often matter more than credential type alone.
Where Saint Paul College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,318 | $47,806* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $6,419 | $53,566* | $54,519 | $12,947* | 0.24 | |
| $25,659 | $47,888* | $61,041 | $14,966* | 0.31 | |
| $6,484 | $47,723* | $68,336 | $12,000* | 0.25 | |
| $6,246 | $44,727* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
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 Saint Paul College, approximately 40% 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 median of 4 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.