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 Texas

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (36 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Amarillo College$48,582
Austin Community College District$50,584$51,524$14,0000.28
Houston Community College$45,548$43,754$12,0400.26
Texas State Technical College$43,742$44,547$13,5000.31
National Median$45,434$13,2500.29

Other Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Austin Community College District
Austin
$2,550$50,584$14,000
Houston Community College
Houston
$2,040$45,548$12,040
Texas State Technical College
Waco
$7,192$43,742$13,500

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 Amarillo College, approximately 44% 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.