Precision Metal Working at Front Range Community College

Front Range's precision metalworking certificate leaves money on the table compared to better options in Colorado. While $34,125 starting might sound reasonable for a short credential, nearby Aims Community College produces graduates earning $47,680—nearly 40% more with similar training time. Even Emily Griffith Technical College delivers starting salaries above $44,000. This program ranks at exactly the 40th percentile both nationally and statewide, meaning six out of ten comparable programs produce stronger outcomes.

The financial picture isn't disastrous—at $8,347 in debt (about three months of starting salary), you're not looking at a crushing burden. Earnings also grow to $42,114 by year four, a 23% jump that shows some career progression. But here's the problem: you're starting $13,000 behind Aims graduates from day one, and that gap compounds over time. Even assuming similar growth rates, you'd need years to catch up to where the better programs start.

If your child is set on Front Range for location or timing reasons, this credential won't derail their finances. But if they have any flexibility, visiting Aims in Greeley or Emily Griffith in Denver could mean an extra $10,000+ annually right out of the gate—a difference that matters when you're building a skilled trade career from scratch.