Precision Metal Working at Advanced Technology Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Advanced Technology Institute's precision metal working program commands higher tuition than typical community college alternatives, but the numbers suggest it delivers on that premium. At $43,656, first-year earnings place this program in the 80th percentile among Virginia metalworking programs—outpacing nearby Brightpoint CC by $4,000 and crushing the state median of $34,650. The $12,674 in debt is higher than the state's $9,062 median, but still represents just 29 cents for every dollar earned in year one, making it manageable for most graduates.
The slight earnings dip to $41,363 by year four deserves attention, though this could reflect industry cycles rather than program quality. What matters more: graduates still earn $6,700 above the Virginia median four years out, maintaining a substantial advantage over cheaper alternatives. For a moderate-sized cohort, this consistency is reassuring.
Your child is effectively paying an extra $3,600 in debt for an $8,000-to-$9,000 annual earnings advantage over the typical Virginia metalworking program. That premium pays itself back within the first year. If they're committed to metalworking as a career and can handle the slightly higher debt load, Advanced Technology Institute offers a faster path to higher wages than most in-state options.
Where Advanced Technology Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Advanced Technology Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Advanced Technology Institute graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 88th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Technology Institute | $43,656 | $41,363 | $12,674 | 0.29 |
| Brightpoint Community College | $39,273 | — | — | — |
| Central Virginia Community College | $37,281 | — | $8,625 | 0.23 |
| Patrick & Henry Community College | $37,030 | — | — | — |
| Tidewater Tech-Trades | $32,269 | $36,914 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| Tidewater Community College | $23,785 | — | $8,455 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College Chester | $4,938 | $39,273 | — |
| Central Virginia Community College Lynchburg | $4,998 | $37,281 | $8,625 |
| Patrick & Henry Community College Martinsville | $4,858 | $37,030 | — |
| Tidewater Tech-Trades Norfolk | $16,337 | $32,269 | $9,500 |
| Tidewater Community College Norfolk | $5,714 | $23,785 | $8,455 |
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 Advanced Technology Institute, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.