Precision Metal Working at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College turns out precision metalworkers earning nearly $17,000 more than the national median for this field—placing it in the 95th percentile nationwide. At $53,172 one year after graduation, these certificate holders are outearning many bachelor's degree recipients while carrying just $7,166 in debt. That 0.13 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six weeks of work.

Within Kentucky's competitive precision metalworking landscape, this program still stands out. While it trails Southcentral Kentucky's top-performing program, Elizabethtown's graduates earn $11,000 more than the state median and rank in the 80th percentile statewide. The debt load is also slightly below both state and national averages, which matters for students from working-class backgrounds (36% of the college's students receive Pell grants).

This is exactly what a technical certificate should deliver: immediate earning power with minimal debt. The numbers suggest strong employer relationships and relevant training that translates directly to job placement. For families looking at affordable paths to middle-class wages, this program offers a clear return on investment within the first year of employment.