Precision Metal Working at Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye's precision metalworking certificate produces first-year earnings 26% above the national median for this credential, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these outcomes could shift significantly with more data. At just under $7,900 in debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17—meaning they'd owe less than two months of their first year's salary. For anxious parents, that's about as manageable as student debt gets.

The Iowa context tells an interesting story. While Hawkeye ranks 95th percentile nationally, it sits closer to 60th percentile among Iowa's 15 metalworking programs. Marshalltown and Northeast Iowa both deliver slightly stronger first-year earnings, though Hawkeye's debt load is lower than most in-state alternatives. The modest earnings dip from year one to year four (from $45,509 to $44,868) suggests these graduates may start near their peak—but that's typical in skilled trades where starting wages reflect actual productivity from day one.

With debt payable in roughly three months of work, this program offers a low-risk entry into advanced manufacturing. The earnings compare favorably to what many bachelor's degree holders make, achieved in a fraction of the time and cost. Just remember: these numbers come from a small cohort, so they're directionally useful but not definitive.