Precision Metal Working at College of Western Idaho

College of Western Idaho's precision metal working certificate offers reasonable value at just $7,000 in debt, but there's a catch: you'll earn substantially less here than at other Idaho programs. While the national comparison looks solid (70th percentile), Idaho graduates in this field typically earn $51,946, versus this program's $39,310 starting salary—placing it in just the 25th percentile statewide. Idaho State graduates, for instance, start at nearly $65,000.

The low debt load keeps this manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 that means you'd owe less than two months' salary. Earnings do grow nicely—from $39,000 to $46,675 over four years—suggesting solid employment progression. The program serves its purpose as an affordable entry point into skilled trades, and you'd be earning more than the national median for this field.

However, given that other Idaho programs command significantly higher wages, it's worth investigating why this gap exists. It could reflect differences in employer networks, equipment training, or regional job markets within the state. If your child can access one of Idaho's higher-performing programs without dramatically more debt, that would likely be the better investment. If not, this remains a low-risk credential that leads to steady work—just know that maximizing earning potential in this field might mean looking beyond CWI.