At $20,710/yr net price, Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates earn $43,493/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,493/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,710 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,493/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,493/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,917 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,411/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,669/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,582/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,748/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $35,416 | $11,817 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $31,690 | $7,421 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $27,822 | $9,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $27,753 | $20,166 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,113 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $22,268 | $9,924 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,140 | $6,035 |
The Risk Factor
78.0% of students at Pennco Tech-Bristol graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pennco Tech-Bristol gives you a low-debt exit but modest earnings, and the value hinges almost entirely on which program you pick. Median debt sits under $8,000, which is small compared to the $20,710 yearly net price, and the 78% graduation rate means you have a real chance of finishing what you start. But median earnings ten years out land at $43,493, so this is a trade school payoff, not a wealth-building one.
The strongest bet here is HVAC. It leads every program on earnings and, while its certificate debt runs higher than the electrical track, the pay gap makes that worth it. Electrical and power transmission is the cleaner deal: solid pay with the lowest program debt on the list. Plumbing sits a step behind on both counts but stays in safe territory.
The auto repair associate degree is where the math turns against you. It carries by far the heaviest program debt while paying less than the HVAC and electrical certificates that cost you far less to earn. If you want a vehicle career, weigh that debt load hard before signing. Allied health and medical assisting posts the lowest earnings of any program here, so treat it as an entry point, not a destination.
Your family income barely changes what you pay. The net price actually climbs for higher earners and drops only slightly below $19,500 for families under $48k. There is no steep discount for low-income families, so plan on roughly $19,000 to $25,000 a year regardless of where you fall.
This school fits you if you want a fast, low-debt path into HVAC, electrical, or plumbing work in the Bristol area. Look elsewhere if you are drawn to the auto associate degree or medical assisting, where the numbers do not pay you back the way the trades do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennco Tech-Bristol worth the cost?
Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates earn $43,493 annually after 10 years, which is modest for a $20,710 yearly cost. The low median debt of $7,917 and 78% graduation rate help offset the limited earning potential.
Which Pennco Tech-Bristol programs have the best ROI?
HVAC programs offer the strongest returns at $35,416 annually, followed by electrical work at $31,690. Medical assisting pays only $23,113, making it the weakest financial choice at this school.
How much debt do Pennco Tech-Bristol students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $7,917, which is relatively low for trade school. This manageable debt load makes the school more financially viable despite moderate graduate earnings.
Do Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates struggle to find jobs?
With a 78% graduation rate, most students complete their programs successfully. However, earning $43,493 after 10 years suggests limited career advancement compared to other technical fields.