Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Tri-County Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$54,852

Est. from national median (49 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Electrical engineering technology programs nationally cluster around $55,000 in first-year earnings, which places this associate's degree in solid middle-class territory—certainly competitive with many bachelor's programs that carry far more debt. The estimated $12,000 debt load for Tri-County's program falls below the national median for similar programs, suggesting a manageable financial burden that could be repaid in just a few months of earnings.

The 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio looks favorable on paper, particularly for a two-year technical credential. However, it's worth noting that North Carolina has 37 schools offering this program, and without reported outcomes from Tri-County specifically or its state peers, parents can't gauge whether this particular college delivers the same job placement success as programs elsewhere. The rural Murphy location might limit local job opportunities compared to programs near the Research Triangle or Charlotte metro areas, potentially affecting whether graduates actually achieve these estimated earnings.

For families comfortable with some uncertainty, this appears to be a low-risk investment: even if outcomes fall short of national norms, the modest debt keeps financial exposure limited. The real question is whether Tri-County's industry connections and placement support can match what the numbers suggest, something worth investigating directly with the program before enrolling.

Where Tri-County Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Tri-County Community CollegeMurphy	$2,363	$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 Tri-County Community College, approximately 30% 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.