Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Collin County Community College District

Based on comparable programs in Texas, drafting and design technology graduates typically earn around $45,500 in their first year—right at the state median for this field. With estimated debt of $13,500, the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 suggests manageable repayment, especially for a two-year credential. Similar programs at Austin Community College show graduates earning about $5,000 more annually, though that gap may reflect regional job market differences more than program quality.

The practical math looks reasonable: first-year earnings should allow comfortable debt payments while building a foundation in a field with steady demand across Texas's construction and manufacturing sectors. The low Pell grant percentage at Collin suggests many students come from families with resources to help cover costs beyond loans, which could mean actual debt burdens run lower than the estimate for some graduates.

The key uncertainty here is that these figures come from just three similar programs statewide, not from Collin's own graduates. Before committing, your student should connect with the program's career services office to understand actual placement rates and starting salaries for recent graduates. If Collin can demonstrate outcomes matching or exceeding these peer program estimates, this represents a solid vocational path with manageable financial risk.