Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Southeastern Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$60,210

Est. from IA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 is genuinely encouraging for a technical associate degree—and while we're working with estimates here (derived from three Iowa programs in this field), the financial picture looks manageable. The estimated $12,063 in debt sits well below both the state median ($18,010) and national median ($14,710) for electrical engineering technology programs, meaning graduates could realistically pay this off within months rather than years if they prioritize it.

The estimated first-year earnings of $60,210 match Iowa's median for this field, placing Southeastern somewhere in the middle of the state's range. Indian Hills Community College's graduates earn notably more at $68,590, while Orion Technical College's track closer to $51,641. Nationally, these Iowa figures look strong—the $60,210 estimate exceeds the national median of $54,852 by over $5,000. That premium likely reflects Iowa's industrial base and demand for electrical technicians in manufacturing and utilities.

The core question is whether Southeastern's specific outcomes mirror these state averages or diverge from them. With only estimates to work from, you're essentially betting that this program performs similarly to its Iowa peers. Given the relatively low debt load and the fact that electrical technology skills translate directly to jobs, that's not an unreasonable wager—but parents should press the school for graduate employment rates and typical starting employers to verify that students actually land the positions these salary figures assume.

Where Southeastern Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southeastern Community CollegeWest Burlington	$6,300	$60,210*	—	$12,063*	—
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa	$4,872	$68,590*	$62,046	$10,669*	0.16
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids	$5,980	$60,210*	—	—*	—
Orion Technical CollegeDavenport	$15,600	$51,641*	$51,109	$25,351*	0.49
National Median	—	$54,852*	—	$14,710*	0.27

* 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 Southeastern Community College, approximately 27% 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 3 similar programs in IA. Actual outcomes may vary.