Precision Metal Working at Lewis and Clark Community College

With first-year earnings of $37,195 against roughly $7,900 in estimated debt, this certificate offers one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios you'll encounter—about 2.5 months of salary to repay. Lewis and Clark's graduates land above the state median for precision metal working programs and comfortably in the middle of the national pack. The debt figure comes from similar programs at comparable community colleges rather than Lewis and Clark's specific outcomes, but even if actual debt runs a few thousand higher, the financial picture remains manageable for a credential that typically takes less than a year to complete.

The troubling element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn about $2,500 less four years out than they do in their first year. This suggests either that the credential serves as a quick entry point to jobs that don't advance much, or that some graduates move on to other work entirely. It's worth investigating whether this program functions as a stepping stone to further training or certification, or if these are genuinely peak earnings for the field.

The practical takeaway: this is a low-cost, quick entry into metal working that won't create debt problems, but don't expect significant income growth afterward. If your child is mechanically inclined and wants to start earning quickly, this works. If they're hoping for career advancement within metal working, ask the school directly about pathways to higher-level credentials or specialized certifications that command better wages.