Location: Dobson, NC•In-State Tuition: $2,545•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,689
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,852
Est. from national median (49 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,063
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs nationally, Surry Community College's electrical engineering technology associate degree appears positioned to deliver what technical employers need: solid skills at manageable cost. With estimated debt around $12,000 against first-year earnings near $55,000, graduates would owe roughly 22 cents for every dollar earned—a ratio that allows breathing room for someone starting their career in industrial automation, electrical systems maintenance, or manufacturing support roles.

The national landscape for this field shows remarkable consistency, with programs clustered tightly around these same earnings figures. That stability suggests the credential itself—rather than the specific school—drives much of the value, as employers prioritize hands-on competency over institutional prestige. North Carolina's 37 programs offering this degree indicate steady regional demand for electrical technicians, particularly given the state's manufacturing base and ongoing infrastructure needs.

The practical takeaway: if your child can complete this program near the estimated debt level and secure work with a mid-sized manufacturer or utility company, the numbers work. The lower debt matters more here than chasing marginally higher earnings elsewhere. Before enrolling, confirm the program's lab equipment reflects current industry standards and ask about direct employer partnerships—those factors will matter more than any earnings estimate when it's time to find that first job.

Where Surry Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Surry Community College (estimated ±10%)Other electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Surry Community CollegeDobson$2,545$54,852*—$12,063*—
Stark State CollegeNorth Canton$4,670$109,198*—$11,083*0.10
Bismarck State CollegeBismarck$5,195$89,460*$97,691$14,236*0.16
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville$4,706$71,070*——*—
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville$5,639$69,797*——*—
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa$4,872$68,590*$62,046$10,669*0.16
National Median—$54,852*—$14,710*0.27
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

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:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Surry Community College, approximately 25% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.