Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski stands out sharply among the state's electrical installation programs, with graduates earning $46,832 in their first year—nearly $5,000 more than the nearest competitor and 50% above Tennessee's median for this credential. While the debt figure of $7,416 is estimated from comparable certificate programs nationally (the school's actual graduate sample was too small for the DOE to publish), the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 suggests a manageable burden if this approximation holds true. For context, the typical electrical installation certificate nationally carries $9,500 in debt, so this estimate aligns with programs that keep borrowing contained.

What makes this program particularly striking is its position at the 95th percentile statewide for earnings—only one in twenty Tennessee programs in this field produces better outcomes. The $46,832 starting salary exceeds even the 75th percentile nationally, putting Pulaski's graduates ahead of three-quarters of similar programs across the country. That earnings performance, combined with debt that appears modest relative to the payoff, points to strong industry connections or geographic advantages that benefit graduates.

The key uncertainty here is whether that estimated $7,416 debt figure accurately reflects what students at this specific campus actually borrow. But given the exceptional earnings outcomes—which are actual reported data—this program demonstrates clear value even if borrowing runs somewhat higher than the estimate suggests.