Analysis
Eastern Wyoming College's precision metal working program delivers outcomes that land squarely in the middle of what similar programs produce nationally, with first-year earnings of $40,902 nearly matching the national median of $41,504. With estimated debt of $11,562—based on typical borrowing patterns at similar community colleges—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they'd owe less than three months of their first year's salary. This positions the program as reasonably affordable, though earnings growth to $45,087 by year four suggests the field rewards experience somewhat modestly.
What's harder to gauge is how this program compares locally. While it ranks at the 60th percentile among Wyoming's seven precision metal working programs, none of those schools report actual graduate outcomes, leaving us to rely on estimates across the board. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (13%) suggests Eastern Wyoming may serve a less economically vulnerable population than typical community colleges, but without concrete data on this specific program's graduates, we're working with educated guesses rather than proven track records.
The fundamentals look sound: trade skills, modest debt, immediate employment. But parents should verify current job placement rates and talk to recent graduates directly before committing, since the estimates can't tell you whether this particular program has strong employer connections or effective hands-on training—factors that matter enormously in skilled trades.
Where Eastern Wyoming College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Wyoming College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Wyoming College | $40,902 | $45,087 | +10% |
| Ferris State University | $56,811 | $77,380 | +36% |
| Hennepin Technical College | $59,829 | $73,136 | +22% |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $56,292 | $64,893 | +15% |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | $55,188 | $61,261 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Precision Metal Working associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,290 | $40,902 | $45,087 | $11,562* | — | |
| $5,881 | $59,829 | $73,136 | —* | — | |
| $13,630 | $56,811 | $77,380 | $17,500* | 0.31 | |
| $4,912 | $56,292 | $64,893 | $6,810* | 0.12 | |
| $25,659 | $55,188 | $61,261 | $12,000* | 0.22 | |
| $6,886 | $54,908 | $52,065 | $12,000* | 0.22 | |
| National Median | — | $41,504 | — | $12,000* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with precision metal working graduates
Sheet Metal Workers
Machinists
Tool and Die Makers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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 Eastern Wyoming College, approximately 13% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 11 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.