Precision Metal Working at Great Oaks Career Campuses

Great Oaks delivers solid value in precision metal working, with graduates earning $41,277 in their first year while carrying minimal debt of just over $6,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 means most students could realistically pay off their loans within months, not years. While this ranks at the 60th percentile among Ohio's 61 programs, it outperforms the national median by $5,000 annually and sits at the 80th percentile nationally—a meaningful advantage when comparing credential programs across the country.

The earnings trajectory tells an important story: graduates see a 7% decline by year four, dropping to $38,354. This pattern is common in skilled trades where entry-level positions sometimes pay better than roles requiring more seniority, or where overtime opportunities diminish over time. Even with this dip, four-year earnings still exceed both national and state medians for the program.

For families concerned about student debt, this represents one of the lower-risk pathways into manufacturing. The combination of modest borrowing and immediate earning potential means graduates aren't gambling with years of repayment. While top Ohio programs like Hobart Institute push closer to $45,000 in first-year earnings, Great Oaks provides a financially accessible entry point into precision metalworking with earnings that remain competitive throughout the early career period.