Precision Metal Working at Highland Community College

Highland Community College's precision metal working certificate appears positioned right in the middle of Kansas programs, with peer institutions suggesting first-year earnings around $36,500—nearly identical to the national median for this credential. The estimated debt load of $6,642 is notably lower than the $9,000 national median, creating a manageable 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio that could be paid down within months of full-time work.

The real story here is whether this program can match the outcomes of Kansas leaders like Washburn Institute of Technology, where graduates earn closer to $40,000 in their first year. Based on comparable programs statewide, Highland sits closer to the median than the top tier, suggesting roughly $3,000 less in starting pay than the strongest programs—a meaningful difference when annual earnings are under $40,000. That gap compounds over time, potentially amounting to tens of thousands in lost income over a career.

For parents, the low debt burden makes this a relatively safe bet financially, even if earnings don't reach the state's highest levels. But before committing, ask Highland directly about job placement rates and whether local employers specifically recruit from their program. The difference between a good outcome and a great one in skilled trades often comes down to those industry connections rather than classroom instruction alone.