Precision Metal Working at Lincoln College of Technology-Denver
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Lincoln College of Technology-Denver's precision metal working program delivers solid, middle-of-the-pack results that should appeal to families seeking stable technical training without crushing debt. With median debt of just $9,429 and first-year earnings of $37,249, graduates face a very manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25—meaning they'll owe about three months' worth of salary, which is quite reasonable for vocational training.
The program performs respectably both nationally (57th percentile) and within Colorado (60th percentile), though it's worth noting that other Colorado options exist with stronger earning potential. Aims Community College leads the state at $47,680, while Emily Griffith Technical College offers $44,943—both significantly higher than Lincoln's $37,249. However, Lincoln's debt levels are competitive, ranking in the 40th percentile nationally (lower debt is better).
The 14% earnings growth from year one to year four ($37,249 to $42,279) shows decent career progression, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers. For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable debt levels, this program offers a solid path into skilled manufacturing work. However, if maximizing earning potential is the priority, exploring higher-performing Colorado programs like Aims or Emily Griffith would be worth the effort.
Where Lincoln College of Technology-Denver Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate'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 Lincoln College of Technology-Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lincoln College of Technology-Denver graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all precision metal working certificate 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 Colorado
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology-Denver | $37,249 | $42,279 | $9,429 | 0.25 |
| Aims Community College | $47,680 | — | — | — |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | $44,943 | — | $8,125 | 0.18 |
| Front Range Community College | $34,125 | $42,114 | $8,347 | 0.24 |
| Pueblo Community College | $25,970 | $33,636 | $6,625 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aims Community College Greeley | $2,090 | $47,680 | — |
| Emily Griffith Technical College Denver | — | $44,943 | $8,125 |
| Front Range Community College Westminster | $4,740 | $34,125 | $8,347 |
| Pueblo Community College Pueblo | $4,883 | $25,970 | $6,625 |
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 Lincoln College of Technology-Denver, approximately 46% 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 1223 graduates with reported earnings and 1194 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.