Precision Metal Working at Austin Community College District

Austin Community College's Precision Metal Working program ranks in the 80th percentile among Texas programs—a significant achievement in a state with 41 competing options. Graduates earn $48,510 within four years, substantially outpacing both the Texas median of $35,123 and the national benchmark of $41,504. That $13,000 premium over typical Texas programs translates to real money, especially considering the modest $14,122 in median debt (which sits at just 25th percentile nationally, meaning most programs saddle students with more).

The math works clearly in this program's favor: with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross earnings. Seven percent earnings growth from year one to year four suggests steady demand for these skills, and starting above $45,000 right out of the gate means students aren't waiting years to see returns on their investment.

The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift with a different cohort. However, Austin's strong manufacturing sector and the program's consistent outperformance of state competitors suggest these results aren't flukes. For families weighing trade programs, this combination of low debt and above-average earnings makes a compelling case, particularly compared to programs that cost similar amounts but lead to lower-paying outcomes.