Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,806
Est. from MN median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,000
Est. from national median (19 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Saint Paul CollegeSaint Paul$6,318$47,806*—$12,000*—
Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount$6,419$53,566*$54,519$12,947*0.24
Dunwoody College of TechnologyMinneapolis$25,659$47,888*$61,041$14,966*0.31
Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls$6,484$47,723*$68,336$12,000*0.25
Northwest Technical CollegeBemidji$6,246$44,727*——*—
National Median—$44,727*—$12,748*0.29
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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.