Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Tidewater Community College

Comparable electrical engineering technology programs nationally suggest graduates earn around $55,000 in their first year, a solid starting point for a two-year degree. The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 creates a healthy 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning borrowers would owe about 22% of their first-year income. That's manageable territory, especially when Virginia's other programs in this field carry median debt more than twice as high at nearly $29,000.

What makes this estimate particularly encouraging is how it positions against the state landscape. Similar programs across Virginia typically produce first-year earnings closer to $59,000, and actual reported outcomes from New River Community College and DeVry University-Virginia show graduates earning $60,000 and $58,000 respectively. If Tidewater's program performs anywhere near these peer institutions—and the lower estimated debt holds true—students could be looking at one of the better value propositions in Virginia for electrical engineering technology training.

The lack of reported data means families can't see this program's actual track record, but the fundamentals look promising: skilled trades credentials at community college prices, serving a student population where nearly a third qualify for Pell grants. If your child is mechanically inclined and interested in electrical systems, this estimated profile suggests reasonable debt for training that feeds into steady technical work—just verify current placement rates and employer connections before committing.