Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Somerset Community College

Based on comparable electrical engineering technology programs nationally, Somerset's graduates would face modest debt of around $12,000—reasonable for any two-year technical degree. However, the estimated first-year earnings of $54,852 trail significantly behind what similar programs in Kentucky actually deliver. Jefferson Community and Technical College's graduates, for instance, earn $71,000 in their first year, suggesting that Kentucky's electrical technology job market pays well above the national median, but Somerset's students may not be connecting to those opportunities at the same rate.

That $16,000 gap matters substantially over a career, though the low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means the program isn't financially risky in absolute terms. The question is whether Somerset provides the industry connections, lab equipment, and employer relationships that translate into Kentucky's higher-paying electrical technology jobs, or whether graduates are entering lower-tier positions that align more with national averages. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on technical credentials to deliver strong returns.

If your child can access one of Kentucky's better-performing electrical technology programs, the data suggests that's worth serious consideration. If Somerset is the only viable option due to location or cost, the estimated debt load is manageable enough that the program won't create a financial burden—but verify through the school what local employers hire their graduates and at what starting wages, since the earnings estimates here don't reflect Somerset's specific track record.