Precision Metal Working at Grand Rapids Community College

First-year earnings of $50,089 position this program well above the national benchmark ($41,504) but slightly below the state median for precision metal working programs in Michigan ($53,450). While the debt figure of $11,562 is estimated from comparable associate degree programs nationally—not this specific program's actual outcomes—it suggests a manageable borrowing level that would be recoverable within months at these earnings levels. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates a financially sound investment if these figures hold true.

The earnings story here is more nuanced than the debt picture. Grand Rapids Community College graduates enter this field earning competitively by national standards but trail other Michigan programs, particularly Ferris State University's $56,811 median. This $3,361 gap matters in a state where precision metal working typically commands higher wages than the national average. The field itself offers strong immediate returns—skilled trades don't require years of career building to reach decent pay—but Michigan's manufacturing economy means location and employer connections matter significantly.

For parents evaluating this program, the numbers point toward a low-risk credential with solid but not exceptional Michigan-specific outcomes. The estimated debt is light enough that even if actual figures run higher, graduates earning around $50,000 should manage repayment comfortably. The real question is whether your student can access the higher-paying opportunities that appear available elsewhere in the state, which likely depends on employer relationships and geographic flexibility after graduation.