Precision Metal Working at Ferris State University
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Ferris State's Precision Metal Working certificate proves you don't need elite credentials to deliver elite outcomes. With graduates earning $68,852 their first year—double the state median and nearly double the national median—this program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and among Michigan's 33 competing programs. That's not a typo: this accessible program at an 81% acceptance-rate school outearns Delta College and Grand Rapids Community College by a factor of two.
The $21,765 debt load is higher than the typical precision metalworking certificate (state median is $11,790), but context matters. When you're earning nearly $70,000 right out of the gate, that debt represents just 32% of first-year income—exceptionally manageable by any standard. Graduates see steady income growth to $74,137 by year four, suggesting employers value the specialized training enough to invest in retention and advancement.
The premium price tag appears justified by premium results. Among over 1,000 programs nationally, Ferris State consistently places graduates in Michigan's top-tier manufacturing roles. For families worried about certificate programs delivering on their promises, this one has a track record that speaks clearly: the earning power justifies the investment several times over.
Where Ferris State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
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 Ferris State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ferris State University graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 95th 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 Michigan
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | $68,852 | $74,137 | $21,765 | 0.32 |
| Delta College | $34,112 | $36,436 | — | — |
| Grand Rapids Community College | $34,042 | $38,509 | $4,540 | 0.13 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Canton | $33,636 | — | $11,790 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta College University Center | $4,640 | $34,112 | — |
| Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids | $4,059 | $34,042 | $4,540 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Canton Canton | $17,252 | $33,636 | $11,790 |
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 Ferris State University, approximately 34% 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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.