Location: Vernon, TX•In-State Tuition: $4,080•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,480
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 typically signals a manageable financial burden—but the comparison to Texas peers reveals a significant gap. Similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,000, yet the state benchmark sits at $76,445. Texas State Technical College's electrical program, with actual reported outcomes, demonstrates what's achievable in this state: graduates earning $76,000-plus right out of the gate. That $30,000+ difference means Vernon College's comparable program trajectory could leave your child substantially behind their Texas counterparts in lifetime earnings potential.

For a trade credential where the whole point is reliable employment at solid wages, this gap matters. These estimates come from national peer programs rather than Vernon's specific outcomes, but they align poorly with what the Texas market appears to pay electrical workers. With 16 programs across Texas to choose from—and clearer data available at several—you're not limited to taking a chance on uncertain outcomes when better-documented options exist nearby. The electrical trades remain strong career paths, but geography and program quality create real wage variations that compound over a career.

Where Vernon College Stands

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

Vernon College (estimated ±10%)Other electrical and power transmission installers programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Vernon CollegeVernon$4,080$44,727*—$12,000*—
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$76,445*$96,478$11,668*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 Vernon College, approximately 38% 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.