Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Electrician Programs 2026

Community colleges provide some of the most affordable entry points into the electrical trade. In an electrician school, you receive hands-on training in labs that mirror real job sites, and gain access to flexible schedules and local support. You’ll study wiring, code compliance, and troubleshooting skills that prepare you for apprenticeships, licensure, and steady work in your community.

Below, you’ll find a list of community colleges where you can begin your electrician career with confidence and manageable costs. If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming an electrician, compare these programs to get started.

Do Community Colleges Offer Electrician Programs?

Yes, you can start your training at an electrician community college. Many schools offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that combine classroom instruction with safety training and hands-on lab practice. 

You’ll learn wiring methods, electrical theory, and code compliance while practicing with the same tools used on job sites. These programs give you the skills and confidence to pursue apprenticeships or entry-level roles, with some colleges also providing transfer pathways into advanced technical study or related fields.

What Electrician Training Can I Get at a Community College?

A community college electrician program can be tailored to your goals. Certificates offer a quick entry point into the trade, diplomas expand your skills for broader job opportunities, and associate degrees provide the most complete training with general education included. 

All program types prepare you for apprenticeships or licensure by combining classroom study with safety instruction and practical lab work. That means you’ll leave with not only technical knowledge but also the real-world experience employers and apprenticeship sponsors are looking for.

Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Electrician Programs

These community colleges offer affordable electrician training with accreditation, hands-on labs, and strong connections to apprenticeships. Each program provides practical pathways to licensure and entry-level work, helping you build a career in the electrical trade.

1. Long Beach City College 

At Long Beach City College (LBCC) in Long Beach, CA, the electrical technology program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab training so you can build real-world skills. You’ll learn to wire circuits, interpret blueprints, apply the National Electrical Code, and troubleshoot residential and light-commercial systems while focusing on safety, code compliance, motors, and controls.

LBCC offers both associate degrees and certificates, giving you flexibility to choose the pace and specialization that match your career goals. Options include:

• electrical technology
• electrical technology, automation technician
• electrical technology, Cisco certified network installation associate
• electrical technology, general industrial electrician
• electrical technology, high voltage test technician
• electrical technology, solar installation and maintenance
• electrical technology, traffic signal technician

Together, these options allow you to tailor your training toward specific electrical career paths while gaining practical skills that can transfer directly to entry-level roles and long-term advancement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $52 per credit hour (in-state); $381 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, loans, and work-study are available.
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

2. Central New Mexico Community College 

Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College prepares students in its electrical trades pathway to install, maintain, and troubleshoot systems in both residential and commercial settings. Courses cover AC/DC theory, wiring methods, motors and controls, and the National Electrical Code, while labs let you practice job-site safety and technical skills.

Certificates are designed to roll into an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), so you can begin working sooner and continue building your education. Faculty and staff also provide guidance to help you map a path from entry-level helper to advanced technician. Available options include:

• electrical trades (AAS), photovoltaic (PV) concentration
• electrical trades (AAS), programmable logic controls (PLC) concentration
• electrical trades certificate
• programmable logic controls (PLC) systems certificate
• residential wiring certificate
• solar electric (PV) certificate

With stackable certificates and focused concentrations, you can enter the workforce quickly and continue advancing your skills as your career goals and experience grow.

• Estimated tuition cost: $70 per credit hour (in-state); $356 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Central Piedmont Community College

Students at Central Piedmont in Charlotte, NC, can pursue an electrical systems technology program designed to prepare them to install and service electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. You’ll study circuit analysis, transformers, motors, programmable logic controllers, and the National Electrical Code while building advanced troubleshooting skills through labs and applied coursework.

The program offers flexible scheduling with both day and evening classes, plus stackable credentials that let you progress at your own pace. Campus resources also support your transition from coursework to the workplace, and many graduates step into roles as electrician helpers, maintenance technicians, or control specialists. Available electrical systems technology certificate options include:

• residential electrical
• commercial electrical
• solar photovoltaic
• electrical maintenance (two levels)

These certificate options make it easier to focus on a specific area of electrical work while building credentials that support steady entry into the field and continued career growth.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour (in-state); $268 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA help, grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are available; workshops and advising are offered as well.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Houston Community College 

At Houston Community College (HCC) in Houston, TX, the electrical technology program focuses on hands-on training in wiring, motors and controls, codes, and job-site safety. You’ll practice with industry-standard tools and test equipment in modern labs. You can stack certificates into an AAS degree, which creates flexible entry points based on your career stage.

HCC also emphasizes accessibility and workforce alignment. With multiple start dates, you can plan around your schedule, and employer partnerships ensure your training matches Houston’s growing demand for skilled trades. Graduates are prepared for careers in construction, plant maintenance, and related fields. Program options include:

• electrical technology associate degree
• commercial electrical technology certificate
• residential electrical technology certificate
• industrial automation technology certificate
• solar photovoltaic system installer certificate
• smart building technology associate degree
• smart building technology certificate

Together, these pathways let you tailor your education to in-demand specialties while gaining skills that support both immediate employment and long-term advancement in the electrical trades.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85 per credit hour (in-district); $181 (out-of-district); $227 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are accepted; rolling FAFSA support and status tracking are also available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Dallas College

In Dallas, TX, Dallas College offers electrical technology programs that help you build confidence in wiring, code compliance, conduit bending, motor controls, and troubleshooting. Certificates provide a quick on-ramp to the field, while stackable pathways let you work while moving toward an associate degree. Lab settings simulate both residential and commercial environments, giving you realistic practice with the tasks employers expect.

The college’s seven-campus network also expands your options for scheduling and support. Advising and career services connect your coursework with local job opportunities, while extended service hours make help available when you need it. Program options include:

• electrical technology AAS
• commercial electrical technology AAS
• commercial electrical technology certificate
• rising electrical technician certificate

These options give you multiple ways to enter the electrical field, whether you want a fast certificate or a longer pathway that builds toward broader responsibilities and advancement.

•  Estimated tuition cost: $99 per credit hour (in-county); $169 (out-of-county); $250 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based aid, scholarships, loans, and work-study are accepted; extended service hours and virtual support are also available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Northeast Texas Community College 

At Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) in Mount Pleasant, TX, the electrical technology program teaches practical skills you can apply in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Coursework covers electrical theory, blueprint reading, wiring methods, and troubleshooting, with safety built into every step. You’ll also gain familiarity with the National Electrical Code and learn to use tools and test equipment effectively, earning an electrical technology certificate along the way.

NTCC offers small class sizes and personalized support, so you receive guidance while you build confidence in labs. Graduates often step into entry-level roles as electricians, plant maintenance workers, or helpers, with clear paths to move forward in the trade.

• Estimated tuition cost: $124 per credit hour (in-district); $186 (out-of-district); $234 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA, grants, scholarships, loans, and work opportunities are available options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. South Louisiana Community College

Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) offers flexible electrical training designed to meet the needs of the Acadiana workforce. You can pursue short-term certificates for quick skill building or follow pathways that expand into longer credentials. Coursework covers wiring methods, motor controls, and code interpretation, while labs provide hands-on practice for both beginners and those sharpening existing skills. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials such as:

• NCCER Core
• NCCER Electrical 1
• NCCER Electrical 2

Advising and career services help you connect classroom learning with real job opportunities, and many students step into construction, facilities, or maintenance roles while continuing to develop their expertise. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $134 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal/state aid via FAFSA is accepted, and scholarships, loans, and VA education benefits are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Kirtland Community College

Kirtland Community College in Grayling, MI, offers an electrician program that prepares you to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. You’ll gain hands-on experience with wiring, circuits, troubleshooting, and safety protocols, while also learning to read blueprints and follow electrical codes to keep systems safe and efficient.

The program includes both an AAS in electrician and an electrician certificate. Instructors are state-licensed master electricians, and coursework focuses on practical training with specialized tools you’ll use on the job. Graduates benefit from high demand in the trade, opportunities for specialization, and a career path that offers stability, growth, and even the potential to start your own business.

• Estimated tuition cost: $149 per contact hour (in-district); $225 (out-of-district); $310 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based grants are accepted, and scholarships, loans, and work-study are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Northampton Community College

Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA, offers an electrical technology program that includes classroom learning and extensive lab practice so you can build confidence using industry-standard tools. You’ll study circuit analysis, wiring, motors, codes, programmable logic controllers, and troubleshooting while preparing to work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

The program is stackable: you can begin with the specialized diploma in electrical technology, continue to the electrical technology certificate, and then advance into the Associate of Applied Science degree. Along the way, career services connect you with local employers and financial aid opportunities. Graduates are prepared for licensure exams and well-positioned for jobs in electrical systems, manufacturing, robotics, and beyond.

• Estimated tuition cost: $169 per credit hour (in-county); $261 (in-district); $338 (in-state); $506 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based aid is accepted, and scholarships, loans, work-study, and military benefits are available.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) in Perkinston, MS, offers electrical technology training designed to mirror real job-site conditions. Coursework focuses on wiring, motors and controls, electrical distribution panels, and code compliance, while labs reinforce safety and give you practice with the same equipment employers expect you to use. Instruction in test equipment and meters further prepares you for residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

The program is structured so you can earn stackable credentials and keep advancing. Options include an electrical certificate, an electrical diploma, and the AAS in electrical technology, with the added opportunity to pursue the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology certificate. Graduates are prepared to step into the workforce as apprentices or helpers, with clear pathways to journeyman-level positions as they gain on-the-job experience. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $180 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal/state/institutional aid are accepted; scholarships, loans, and work programs are also available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We rank electrician programs by focusing on the factors that matter most for student success. Accreditation, affordability, program reputation, and hands-on training all work together to ensure you are prepared for the trade.

• Accreditation: Each school must be accredited to guarantee that your credential is recognized and can be applied toward apprenticeships or further study.
• Affordability: We review tuition rates and financial aid opportunities to highlight programs that remain accessible to a wide range of students.
• Program reputation: We consider faculty support, graduate outcomes, and employer partnerships to identify programs with strong track records.
• Hands-on training: Labs and job-site simulations are included to ensure students gain practical experience before stepping into apprenticeships or licensure exams.

How Long Is Electrician School?

Most community college electrician programs take about one year to complete if you’re earning a certificate or diploma. Associate degrees generally require two years of full-time study. After finishing your coursework, you’ll still need to complete an apprenticeship, which usually adds three to five years of supervised, on-the-job training before reaching full journeyman status.

How Much Does Electrician School Cost?

Tuition for community college electrician programs often ranges from about $1,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on residency. This makes them more affordable than many private trade schools, which can cost significantly more. 

If you’re concerned about the cost of an electrician program, there are many financial aid opportunities you can take advantage of. Financial aid, including federal grants, scholarships, and local workforce funding, is available to reduce expenses and make these programs accessible for students from a variety of backgrounds.

What To Expect From a Community College Electrician Program

When you take electrician classes at community college, you can expect a mix of classroom study and hands-on labs. Coursework often covers electrical theory, wiring methods, codes, and safety practices, while lab sessions give you the chance to practice with tools and equipment in real-world scenarios. 

Most certificates or diplomas take about one year, and associate degrees usually take two. This balance of study and lab experience prepares you to transition smoothly into an apprenticeship or entry-level role.

Electrician Career Opportunities With a Community College Degree

Graduating from a community college for electricians opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Many students begin as apprentices, working under licensed electricians while gaining experience in residential, commercial, or industrial wiring. Others start in maintenance roles that focus on troubleshooting and repair. 

Community colleges often connect students with apprenticeship sponsors and provide guidance for state licensure exams, which are key steps toward advancing in the trade. This combination of support and opportunity makes community colleges a practical pathway into electrical careers.

Benefits of Electrical Programs at Community Colleges

Entering an electrical program at a community college offers several advantages that make the pathway both affordable and practical.

• Lower tuition: Community colleges often cost thousands less per year than private trade schools, keeping debt manageable.
• Smaller class sizes: You’ll receive more one-on-one attention from instructors and lab supervisors.
• Employer partnerships: Many programs connect you directly with local contractors, unions, and facilities for apprenticeships or job placement.
• Transfer pathways: Some colleges provide options to continue into bachelor’s programs in technology or engineering, giving you room to expand your career.
• Local access: With campuses close to home, you can balance training with work or family commitments.

FAQs About Electrician Training at Community Colleges

If you’re thinking about starting electrician school at a community college, you probably have a few questions. Below you’ll find answers about program formats, affordability, and career preparation to help you decide if this path is right for you.

Are Community College Electrician Programs Accredited?

Most programs at an electrician community college are accredited, which simply means they meet recognized quality standards. That’s important because accredited training is what makes you eligible to sit for licensure exams. If you’re unsure, it’s easy to confirm; just check the college’s website or ask the admissions office to make sure the program is officially approved.

How Long Does It Take To Finish an Electrician Program at Community College?

Most certificate or diploma programs at community colleges take about a year if you study full-time, while associate degrees usually take closer to two years. If you choose part-time classes, expect the timeline to stretch out a bit longer, but the flexible schedule can make it easier to balance work and school.

Do Community Colleges Help With Apprenticeships?

Yes, many community colleges partner with local unions, contractors, or utility companies to help students transition into apprenticeships after graduation. These connections make it easier for you to put classroom and lab training into practice. Some schools even host job fairs or maintain placement offices that connect graduates directly with apprenticeship sponsors in the area.

Is an Electrician Degree or Certificate From a Community College Affordable?

Compared to private trade schools, tuition at community colleges is usually much lower. On top of that, you may qualify for federal or state financial aid, local scholarships, or even employer tuition support. These savings make earning an electrician credential at a community college an affordable first step into the trade.

Explore More Colleges

Affordable tuition and hands-on training make electrical programs at community colleges a smart choice for starting your career. Explore schools on Learn.org today to connect with programs that fit your goals.