Precision Metal Working at Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria Technical's precision metal working certificate punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $51,141 in their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile for this program type across the country and crushing the national median by $15,000. With debt averaging just $9,500, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, meaning graduates typically owe less than two months' salary. That's a remarkably quick payback for a credential that takes far less time than a bachelor's degree.

The Minnesota picture adds helpful nuance. While this program dominates nationally, it sits closer to the middle of the pack in-state at the 60th percentile, with earnings slightly above the state median of $49,342. Top Minnesota programs like Hennepin Technical edge out Alexandria by about $1,300 annually, but the differences are modest—all of these programs deliver solid outcomes. Earnings growth to $55,483 by year four shows steady progression, suggesting employers value experience in this field.

For parents weighing technical training options, this program offers strong returns with minimal debt risk. If your student is considering metalworking and Alexandria's location works logistically, the combination of low debt and high national standing makes this a financially sound choice, even if a handful of other Minnesota schools show marginally higher earnings.