Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Virginia Highlands Community College

Virginia Highlands' electrical trades certificate produces first-year earnings of $36,340 with an estimated debt load around $7,400—a 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio that's considerably better than the state median debt of $14,750 for similar programs. That's half the borrowing burden of the typical Virginia electrical program, though the debt figure comes from peer certificate programs nationally rather than actual graduate outcomes from this school. The earnings put graduates above the state median ($34,439) but trail the national benchmark ($38,716), suggesting this program performs adequately within Virginia's electrical training landscape but doesn't crack the top tier regionally or nationally.

The comparison to other Virginia programs tells an interesting story. Danville Community College graduates earn $62,468—nearly double what Virginia Highlands graduates make—while Tidewater and Virginia Western produce similar outcomes around $34,000-$36,000. That wide range suggests that local job markets and employer connections matter enormously in electrical trades, and southwestern Virginia may simply offer fewer high-paying utility and industrial positions than other parts of the state.

For families comfortable with the estimated debt figure and realistic about southwestern Virginia's labor market, this represents a low-risk credential. The debt burden is manageable on $36,000, and the 42% Pell grant rate suggests the school serves students who need affordable pathways. But parents should verify actual borrowing costs and explore whether relocation after graduation might substantially improve earnings prospects.