Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Spokane Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 suggests this electrical engineering technology program could represent a solid investment, though the lack of actual graduate outcomes means you're relying on national patterns rather than Spokane Community College's specific track record. Comparable associate-level programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $55,000, which would make the estimated $12,000 in debt manageable—roughly equivalent to 2-3 months of gross income.

What works in this program's favor is the field itself: electrical engineering technicians remain in steady demand, and an associate degree often leads directly to employment without requiring a bachelor's. The relatively low debt burden, even as an estimate, aligns with community college affordability. With 28% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves students who need cost-effective pathways to middle-income careers.

The caveat is that Washington has ten schools offering this program, and none report sufficient graduate data for comparison. You're essentially betting that Spokane Community College's outcomes mirror the national median—a reasonable assumption for a vocational program with standardized industry certifications, but still an assumption. If your student is mechanically inclined and wants to enter the workforce quickly, the estimated numbers suggest this path could work. Just recognize you're making this decision without seeing this specific program's actual graduate outcomes.