Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Daytona State College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests this program could represent reasonable value, though the caveat matters: both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs nationally, not actual outcomes for Daytona State grads. Comparable drafting and design programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $45,400 and median debt near $13,000. That mirrors what Valencia College—the one Florida school with reported data—shows its drafting grads earning.

The question is whether Daytona State's program performs like its peers or falls short. With 34% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a population where even modest debt can strain budgets. If actual earnings land closer to $40,000 than $45,000, that ratio deteriorates quickly. On the other hand, drafting roles often provide steady employment with clear career paths, and the estimated debt load here is manageable compared to many technical programs.

The takeaway: this program *could* work financially if Daytona State's outcomes match national norms, but you're betting on limited information. Before committing, push the school for placement rates and starting salaries for recent grads—not estimates, but what their students actually earn. If they can't provide that data, consider Valencia, where the numbers are confirmed and closely aligned with what you'd hope to see here.