2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,478
78th percentile
60th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$8,250
13% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
St Cloud Technical and Community College$48,478$55,930+15%
Anoka Technical College$43,686$70,817+62%
Dakota County Technical College$63,839$63,181-1%
Minnesota State Community and Technical College$50,776$62,709+24%
Minnesota West Community and Technical College$51,507$58,480+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
St Cloud Technical and Community CollegeSaint Cloud$4,957$48,478$55,930$8,2500.17
Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount$6,419$63,839$63,181$11,0000.17
Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls$6,484$51,507$58,480$10,1770.20
Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls$5,900$50,776$62,709$8,9390.18
Riverland Community CollegeAustin$6,250$47,288$12,0000.25
Ridgewater CollegeWillmar$6,109$46,852
National Median$38,716$9,5000.25

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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.