Analysis
In Nevada's skilled trades landscape, electrical and power transmission programs typically offer strong workforce pathways, and the estimated figures here suggest this program follows that pattern. Based on comparable associate programs nationwide, graduates might expect around $45,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $12,000 in debt—a ratio of 0.27 that indicates the loan burden equals about three months of gross income. That's manageable math for an entry point into a field where earnings often increase substantially with licensure and experience.
The challenge is that we're working entirely from peer program data rather than Western Nevada College's actual outcomes. With only three schools offering this program statewide and no Nevada-specific earnings to benchmark against, it's difficult to assess how this particular program performs relative to local labor market conditions or competing pathways like apprenticeships, which dominate electrical trades training. The national median debt of $12,748 provides some confidence that the $12,000 estimate is reasonable, but without knowing this cohort's actual job placement or whether graduates stay in Nevada's relatively small market, the projection remains speculative.
If your child is set on this trade and prefers classroom training over an apprenticeship route, the estimated debt load appears reasonable. However, given the lack of program-specific data, schedule a conversation with the department about recent graduate outcomes, Nevada licensure requirements, and whether most students transition to union apprenticeships or direct employment—answers that will matter more than these estimates.
Where Western Nevada 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,920 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $5,594 | $99,033* | $125,010 | —* | — | |
| $6,990 | $95,230* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,912 | $80,734* | $90,478 | $10,262* | 0.13 | |
| $7,192 | $76,445* | $96,478 | $11,668* | 0.15 | |
| $2,552 | $73,774* | $94,294 | $11,000* | 0.15 | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Western Nevada College, approximately 18% 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.