Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred's electrical transmission program starts below both national and state medians at $42,278, but the real story is what happens next: earnings jump 37% to nearly $58,000 by year four. That trajectory pushes graduates past the national 75th percentile and significantly ahead of New York's typical outcome of $45,686. Among just six programs in the state, this ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack initially, but the strong earnings growth suggests graduates are advancing quickly into better-paying positions.

The $12,000 debt load—below both state and national medians—makes this a low-risk bet. Even with the slower start, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 is manageable, and by year four, graduates are earning almost five times what they borrowed. That's a favorable equation, especially for students from working-class backgrounds (45% receive Pell grants here).

The tradeoff is clear: if your child needs immediate high earnings, Hudson Valley's program starts stronger at $49,095. But if they can weather a year or two of lower pay while gaining experience, Alfred's program delivers strong mid-term results with minimal debt. For families prioritizing affordability and career trajectory over starting salary, this represents solid value in a field with genuine growth potential.