Precision Metal Working at Community College of Denver

With $11,000 in debt—modestly above the state median but still reasonable—this program's value hinges on where actual earnings land. Similar Precision Metal Working programs in Colorado suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, with the state's top programs like Aims Community College and Emily Griffith Technical producing graduates who earn in the mid-$40,000s right out of the gate. Community College of Denver's reported four-year earnings of $59,103 show strong mid-career potential, but that initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 depends on whether new graduates actually match state norms or fall closer to the lower-performing programs in Colorado.

The uncertainty matters because precision metalworking outcomes vary significantly even within the same state—from $48,000 at the high end to $26,000 at the low end. Without Community College of Denver's actual first-year data, you're betting that their program performs at least at the state median. The relatively low debt provides a safety net; even if earnings start on the lower end, graduates wouldn't face crushing payment obligations while building skills and experience.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether this specific program delivers career services, industry connections, and training quality comparable to the stronger programs in Colorado. Visit the campus, talk to recent graduates if possible, and ask directly about job placement rates and starting wages for their metalworking certificate holders before committing.