Precision Metal Working at Fort Hays Tech North Central

Based on comparable programs across Kansas, this certificate carries an estimated $6,642 in debt—notably lower than the $9,000 national median for precision metal working programs. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 suggests graduates could realistically pay off this credential within a few months of full-time work, assuming estimated first-year earnings around $36,490 hold true for Fort Hays Tech North Central students.

The four-year earnings figure of $47,162 offers a concrete data point specific to this program's actual graduates, showing meaningful wage growth over time. This tracks well with the skilled trades trajectory, where experience and certification typically translate to better pay. While similar Kansas programs at institutions like Washburn Institute of Technology show first-year earnings closer to $40,000, the lower debt load here could offset a modest earnings difference in the near term.

The practical calculation for parents: if this program performs like its Kansas peers, your student would finish with manageable debt and enter a field where steady income growth appears likely. The low debt burden is particularly important for a trade where your child will likely need to purchase tools and may pursue additional certifications. The caveat is that these are peer estimates, not this school's track record—the small graduate sample means there's inherent uncertainty about whether Fort Hays Tech North Central's specific training and industry connections will match the state average outcomes.