Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,727
Est. from national median (51 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,000
Est. from national median (19 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggests a manageable financial picture for Trinidad State's electrical transmission program, though both figures here are drawn from national peer programs rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes. With estimated first-year earnings around $45,000 and typical debt near $12,000, the math works in graduates' favor—you'd be looking at roughly three months of gross pay to cover the entire educational investment.

The electrical trades typically offer stable career trajectories, and Colorado's energy infrastructure needs create ongoing demand for skilled installers. Similar programs nationally cluster around these same earnings and debt figures, suggesting this is standard training for the field rather than an outlier. The 41% Pell grant population at Trinidad State indicates the school serves students who need education to translate directly into earning power, which aligns well with trade programs that emphasize job-ready skills over prolonged credentialing.

Without Colorado-specific data for comparison (only three programs statewide, and none with published outcomes), it's difficult to assess how Trinidad State stacks up locally. The national benchmarks show that top-performing programs push past $55,000 in first-year earnings—about $10,000 more than these estimates suggest. If your child is committed to this specific trade and prefers staying in southern Colorado, the estimated numbers point toward a sound investment, but confirming actual job placement rates and whether graduates stay in the region would strengthen the picture considerably.

Where Trinidad State College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Trinidad State CollegeTrinidad$4,468$44,727*$12,000*
Pierpont Community and Technical CollegeFairmont$5,594$99,033*$125,010*
Pennsylvania Highlands Community CollegeJohnstown$6,990$95,230**
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis$4,912$80,734*$90,478$10,262*0.13
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$76,445*$96,478$11,668*0.15
Richmond Community CollegeHamlet$2,552$73,774*$94,294$11,000*0.15
National Median$44,727*$12,748*0.29
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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 Trinidad State College, approximately 41% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.