Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Houston Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Houston Community College's drafting program sits right in the middle of the pack nationally, but that's actually better than it sounds for Texas students. At $45,548 in first-year earnings, graduates match both the state median and nearly hit the national average, while ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—meaning they out-earn graduates from about two-thirds of Texas programs. The $12,040 debt load is manageable, translating to just three months of earnings.
The concerning part is the earnings trajectory. Instead of gaining ground as they build experience, graduates see incomes slip to $43,754 by year four—a 4% decline. This could reflect the nature of entry-level CAD work, where earnings plateau quickly, or it might suggest graduates aren't advancing into higher-paying roles. Austin Community College's drafters earn $5,000 more annually, showing that stronger outcomes are achievable in the same market.
With such a small sample size (under 30 graduates), these numbers could swing considerably year to year. But the fundamentals work: low debt and immediate earning potential make this a reasonable path for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. Just understand that the earnings ceiling appears lower than you might expect from an engineering-adjacent field. If career advancement matters more than quick entry, compare carefully against Austin's program.
Where Houston Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Houston Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Houston Community College graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (36 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College | $45,548 | $43,754 | $12,040 | 0.26 |
| Austin Community College District | $50,584 | $51,524 | $14,000 | 0.28 |
| Texas State Technical College | $43,742 | $44,547 | $13,500 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $45,434 | — | $13,250 | 0.29 |
Other Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $50,584 | $14,000 |
| Texas State Technical College Waco | $7,192 | $43,742 | $13,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Houston Community College, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.