Precision Metal Working at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia

At a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29, Lincoln College of Technology's precision metal working program offers one of the cleaner financial pictures you'll find in career training. Students graduate with relatively modest debt of $11,597 while earning nearly $40,000 in their first year—about $6,000 more than Maryland's median for this field and $3,000 above the national average.

The program ranks in the 71st percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Maryland, meaning it consistently outperforms most competitors. More importantly, graduates see steady earnings growth, reaching $42,154 by year four. While Maryland has only five schools offering this program, Lincoln College sits comfortably ahead of the pack—earning $4,000-10,000 more annually than graduates from other Maryland precision metal working programs.

For parents concerned about career training ROI, this program delivers measurable value. The debt load is manageable (14th percentile nationally, meaning 86% of similar programs saddle students with more debt), and the earnings trajectory shows skilled metalworkers remain in demand. With over half the student body qualifying for Pell grants, the school clearly serves working-class families seeking practical career advancement—and the post-graduation numbers suggest they're succeeding.