Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at John A Logan College

Similar drafting and design programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,400 with roughly $13,000 in debt—a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio that parents should find reassuring. With payments likely under $150 per month, graduates could reasonably handle this debt load even if their starting salary comes in on the lower end of typical outcomes for the field.

The challenge here is that John A Logan College's specific results aren't publicly available due to small graduating classes, so these figures come from peer programs nationwide. Drafting technicians work across manufacturing, construction, and engineering firms throughout Illinois, but actual starting salaries for this school's graduates could vary based on local industry connections and how well the curriculum matches employer needs in the region. The broader Carbondale-Marion area has manufacturing presence, though it's not as robust as northern Illinois.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers point to reasonable value if your student is genuinely interested in technical drawing and CAD work. However, you'll want to dig deeper: ask the department about job placement rates, which local employers hire their graduates, and whether students typically stay in southern Illinois or relocate for better opportunities. The debt level appears workable, but confirming where graduates actually land jobs—and at what pay—matters more than these national averages can tell you.