Precision Metal Working at Gateway Community and Technical College

Gateway's Precision Metal Working certificate puts graduates solidly ahead of most programs nationwide, but middle-of-the-pack among Kentucky's community colleges. At $42,233 first-year earnings, graduates earn $6,000 more than the national median—ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally. However, within Kentucky's competitive technical college landscape, this sits near the state median of $41,824, trailing programs at Southcentral Kentucky ($59,000) and Elizabethtown ($53,000) by substantial margins.

The financial equation is straightforward: with just $9,041 in typical debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, meaning they could theoretically repay their loans in under three months of gross earnings. This is manageable by any standard and positions the certificate as a low-risk credential. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates suggests steady enrollment without the concerns that come with very small cohorts.

For families focused on minimizing debt while gaining marketable skills, this program delivers solid value. However, if your student can access other Kentucky community colleges offering precision metalworking—particularly those in the Elizabethtown or Bowling Green regions—it's worth comparing opportunities, as those programs show significantly higher earning potential. Gateway offers a dependable path into manufacturing careers, just not necessarily the highest-paying one in the state.