Analysis
Ohio's precision metal working programs typically launch graduates into the mid-to-upper $30,000s, and Belmont College appears positioned right in that range based on comparable certificate programs statewide. The estimated $38,713 first-year earnings matches the state median exactly, putting it roughly in line with what similar metal working programs produce—though notably below some top-performing schools in Ohio that push graduates toward the mid-$40,000s.
The debt picture looks substantially better than typical. Where Ohio precision metal working programs usually saddle graduates with around $9,500 in debt, Belmont's estimated $6,203 would represent about a third less borrowing. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.16—meaning graduates would owe roughly two months of their first year's salary. For a certificate that can be completed relatively quickly, this is manageable territory that most graduates could reasonably pay down within a year or two of full-time work.
The caveat: these are estimates drawn from peer programs, not verified outcomes for Belmont's specific graduates. If your child is considering this path, the practical move is to ask Belmont directly about their placement rates and starting wages for recent completers. The numbers suggest a solid baseline for entering skilled trades work without crushing debt, but you'll want actual graduate outcomes to confirm that Belmont delivers what comparable Ohio programs typically produce.
Where Belmont College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (61 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,815 | $38,713* | — | $6,203* | — | |
| — | $45,370* | $47,472 | $5,500* | 0.12 | |
| — | $42,625* | — | $6,327* | 0.15 | |
| — | $41,277* | $38,354 | $6,078* | 0.15 | |
| $14,050 | $39,990* | $35,129 | —* | — | |
| — | $39,328* | $44,145 | $6,485* | 0.16 | |
| National Median | — | $36,248* | — | $9,000* | 0.25 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with precision metal working graduates
Sheet Metal Workers
Machinists
Tool and Die Makers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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 Belmont College, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.