Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Summit College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Summit College's electrical and power transmission program produces graduates who earn less than their California peers while carrying manageable debt loads. At $37,990 in first-year earnings, graduates fall below both the state median ($41,498) and national average ($38,716), ranking in just the 40th percentile among California programs. However, the $7,600 in median debt is notably lower than both state ($11,725) and national ($9,500) averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 that suggests reasonable financial risk.
The earnings gap is meaningful when compared to top California programs—Los Angeles Trade Technical College graduates earn $50,745, representing a $12,755 annual difference. This suggests Summit's program may not provide the strongest pathway into higher-paying positions in California's competitive electrical market, where living costs are substantial.
For parents seeking a lower-risk entry into the electrical trades, Summit's combination of modest debt and steady employment prospects offers a reasonable foundation. The program serves a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients (53%), indicating it successfully educates students from lower-income backgrounds. While graduates won't command top wages immediately, the low debt burden means they can build experience without crushing loan payments, potentially advancing to better positions over time.
Where Summit 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 Summit College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Summit College graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all electrical and power transmission installers certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit College | $37,990 | — | $7,600 | 0.20 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | $50,745 | $65,500 | — | — |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $43,388 | — | $12,727 | 0.29 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center | $43,388 | — | $12,727 | 0.29 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield | $43,388 | — | $12,727 | 0.29 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario | $43,388 | — | $12,727 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles | $1,238 | $50,745 | — |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia | — | $43,388 | $12,727 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center Fresno | — | $43,388 | $12,727 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield Bakersfield | — | $43,388 | $12,727 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario Ontario | — | $43,388 | $12,727 |
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 Summit College, approximately 53% 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 337 graduates with reported earnings and 344 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.