Precision Metal Working at Central Virginia Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Central Virginia Community College's Precision Metal Working certificate delivers exactly what most community college technical programs promise: solid trade training at a manageable price. Graduates earn $37,281 in their first year—about $2,600 above Virginia's median for this program and $1,000 above the national average. Among the 23 Virginia schools offering precision metalworking, this ranks in the 60th percentile, putting it slightly ahead of the pack but well behind top performers like Advanced Technology Institute ($43,656) or Brightpoint Community College ($39,273).
The financial math works cleanly here. With median debt of just $8,625 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two while building careers in Virginia's manufacturing sector. That's lower debt than the state average ($9,062) and positions graduates to start accumulating savings quickly rather than treading water with payments.
For families looking at trade alternatives to four-year degrees, this program represents a straightforward path: modest debt, immediate earnings potential, and outcomes that beat most in-state competitors. It's not the highest-earning metalworking program in Virginia, but the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings makes it a practical choice for students ready to enter manufacturing work.
Where Central Virginia Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Central Virginia Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Central Virginia Community College graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Virginia Community College | $37,281 | — | $8,625 | 0.23 |
| Advanced Technology Institute | $43,656 | $41,363 | $12,674 | 0.29 |
| Brightpoint Community College | $39,273 | — | — | — |
| Patrick & Henry Community College | $37,030 | — | — | — |
| Tidewater Tech-Trades | $32,269 | $36,914 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| Tidewater Community College | $23,785 | — | $8,455 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Technology Institute Virginia Beach | $14,568 | $43,656 | $12,674 |
| Brightpoint Community College Chester | $4,938 | $39,273 | — |
| Patrick & Henry Community College Martinsville | $4,858 | $37,030 | — |
| Tidewater Tech-Trades Norfolk | $16,337 | $32,269 | $9,500 |
| Tidewater Community College Norfolk | $5,714 | $23,785 | $8,455 |
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 Central Virginia Community College, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.