Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Butler Community College

A debt load around $13,000 against first-year earnings in the mid-$40,000s produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29—though it's worth noting these figures come from national benchmarks rather than Butler's actual graduate outcomes. Similar drafting and design programs across Kansas typically produce median earnings closer to $47,000, suggesting Butler's graduates might land in that range. The hands-on nature of this field and Kansas's manufacturing and engineering sectors create steady demand for skilled drafters and designers.

What makes this program particularly approachable is the low debt burden. Even at the estimated $13,000 level, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $145 over ten years—well within reach on a $45,000 starting salary. This leaves room for other financial goals while building experience in a field where skills often matter more than credentials for advancement. Many drafters increase their earning potential significantly as they specialize in areas like civil, mechanical, or architectural drafting.

The caveat: without Butler-specific outcomes data, you're making this decision based on how comparable programs perform nationally. If Butler has strong connections to local engineering firms or manufacturers in the Wichita area, that could translate to better-than-average placement. Before committing, ask about internship partnerships and where recent graduates have landed jobs—those concrete details matter more than estimated benchmarks when the actual data isn't available.