Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at St Cloud Technical and Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
St Cloud Technical earns middle-of-the-pack status among Minnesota's electrical installation programs, landing at the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $48,478. While that trails Dakota County Tech's impressive $63,839 by a considerable margin, it still beats the national median by nearly $10,000 and comes with manageable debt of just $8,250. The 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need less than three months of income to cover their educational investment—a compelling proposition for entering the skilled trades.
The earnings trajectory looks healthy, climbing 15% to $55,930 by year four. This growth pattern aligns with how electrical work typically rewards experience, as journeymen take on more complex projects and supervisory responsibilities. For Minnesota families specifically, this program sits squarely in the middle tier: not the state's strongest option but far from its weakest, and considerably better than what students would find at most schools nationally.
For parents whose children show aptitude for hands-on technical work, this represents a low-risk entry point into a stable field. The modest debt load means graduates won't face financial stress while building their careers, and the solid earnings growth suggests real advancement potential. If your student can access one of Minnesota's top-performing programs like Dakota County Tech, that's worth exploring, but St Cloud Technical delivers reliable preparation without gambling on heavy debt.
Where St Cloud Technical and Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all electrical and power transmission installers certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | $48,478 | $55,930 | $8,250 | 0.17 |
| Dakota County Technical College | $63,839 | $63,181 | $11,000 | 0.17 |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | $51,507 | $58,480 | $10,177 | 0.20 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | $50,776 | $62,709 | $8,939 | 0.18 |
| Riverland Community College | $47,288 | — | $12,000 | 0.25 |
| Ridgewater College | $46,852 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota County Technical College Rosemount | $6,419 | $63,839 | $11,000 |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College Granite Falls | $6,484 | $51,507 | $10,177 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls | $5,900 | $50,776 | $8,939 |
| Riverland Community College Austin | $6,250 | $47,288 | $12,000 |
| Ridgewater College Willmar | $6,109 | $46,852 | — |
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 St Cloud Technical and Community College, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.