Precision Metal Working at Arclabs

Arclabs' Precision Metal Working program delivers modest but reasonable outcomes, though it trails stronger alternatives within South Carolina. With median first-year earnings of $34,843 and debt of just $9,500, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27—meaning they'd need to dedicate roughly three months of gross income to pay off their loans.

However, the program's performance is distinctly average. Among South Carolina's precision metal working programs, Arclabs ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings, falling short of the state median by about $85. More concerning is the significant gap compared to top-performing programs in the state—York Technical College graduates earn $15,466 more annually, which compounds to substantial differences over a career. The program also performs below the national median by roughly $1,400.

The relatively low debt load is genuinely positive, sitting below both state and national medians. For families prioritizing minimal educational debt, this represents real value. However, given that several other South Carolina schools offer meaningfully higher earnings potential in the same field, parents should strongly consider those alternatives first. Unless geographic constraints make Arclabs the only viable option, programs like York Technical or Midlands Technical offer substantially better return on investment for the same career path.