Analysis
Eastern Wyoming College delivers what precision metal working programs promise: a quick entry into skilled manufacturing work with manageable debt. Starting earnings of $37,127 outpace the national median for this certificate by nearly $900, and graduates carry just $6,951 in debt—about $2,000 less than the typical program nationally. That 0.19 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face roughly 2.3 months of earnings to pay off their loans, among the better outcomes for short-term technical credentials.
The trajectory looks solid too. Four years out, median earnings climb to $43,499, a 17% gain that suggests these skills command growing value in Wyoming's economy. Among the state's seven precision metal working programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—comfortably above average in a state where manufacturing and energy extraction create steady demand for machinists and welders.
For families seeking the shortest path to middle-class income without four-year debt, this certificate delivers. The low Pell grant percentage (13%) suggests most students here aren't economically disadvantaged, but the modest debt load makes this accessible regardless. Your child won't get rich, but they'll have marketable skills and financial breathing room within a year of completion.
Where Eastern Wyoming College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate'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 | $37,127 | $43,499 | +17% |
| Ferris State University | $68,852 | $74,137 | +8% |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | $51,141 | $55,483 | +8% |
| Idaho State University | $64,581 | $55,405 | -14% |
| Madison Area Technical College | $37,860 | $53,952 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,290 | $37,127 | $43,499 | $6,951 | 0.19 | |
| $13,630 | $68,852 | $74,137 | $21,765 | 0.32 | |
| $8,356 | $64,581 | $55,405 | $9,000 | 0.14 | |
| $4,656 | $58,996 | — | $9,413 | 0.16 | |
| $4,916 | $53,507 | $52,715 | $7,664 | 0.14 | |
| $4,656 | $53,172 | — | $7,166 | 0.13 | |
| National Median | — | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.