Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,127
56th percentile (60th in WY)
Median Debt
$6,951
23% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19
Manageable
Sample Size
31
Adequate data

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

Eastern Wyoming CollegeOther precision metal working programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Eastern Wyoming College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Eastern Wyoming College graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wyoming

Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wyoming (7 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Eastern Wyoming College$37,127$43,499$6,9510.19
National Median$36,248—$9,0000.25

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.