Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians at Southeast Community College Area

That $104,847 first-year salary looks extraordinary—among energy systems programs nationally, it ranks in the 95th percentile. But here's the puzzle: earnings drop to $63,235 by year four, a 40% decline that's unusual for technical trades. With only three schools in Nebraska offering this program and a very small graduating class here, these numbers likely reflect just a handful of individual career paths rather than a predictable pattern. The 60th percentile state ranking suggests that even within Nebraska, outcomes vary significantly.

The program's saving grace is the remarkably low $11,000 debt load, which means even if you land closer to that four-year earnings figure, you're looking at debt that's just 17% of annual income—highly manageable. That first-year number might reflect temporary construction work, overtime pay, or positions that recent grads don't sustain long-term.

Treat this as a low-risk bet rather than a sure thing. The minimal debt means your student isn't gambling much financially, but don't bank on six-figure earnings. If they can secure steady work in Nebraska's energy sector earning around the national median of $63,500, they'll do fine with such little debt. Just understand that the eye-popping initial figure may not represent typical outcomes for this small program.