Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Texas Southmost College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 looks manageable on paper, but the gap between estimated national earnings and actual Texas outcomes demands attention. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,000, the only Texas school with reported data—Texas State Technical College—shows graduates earning $76,445. That's a $30,000 difference, which could reflect either stronger programs elsewhere in the state or regional variation in the electrical transmission market.

The estimated $12,000 debt burden aligns closely with what similar programs typically carry, making this affordable compared to many associate degrees. However, the earnings estimate here is drawn from national figures, not Texas-specific outcomes, which matters considerably in a state where the energy sector pays premium wages for electrical work. If Texas Southmost's program produces outcomes closer to other Texas schools, this becomes an excellent value proposition. If graduates earn closer to the national baseline, you're looking at solid but not exceptional returns.

The key question is whether this program connects students to the higher-paying Texas market or just meets a national standard. Visit the campus, ask about job placement locations and partner utilities, and request actual graduate outcomes if the school tracks them internally. The difference between $45,000 and $76,000 in starting salary changes everything about this investment's value.