Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,249
57th percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$9,429
5% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.25
Manageable
Sample Size
1223
Adequate data

Analysis

Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie delivers solid value in precision metal working, particularly when compared to other Texas programs. With first-year earnings of $37,249, graduates earn nearly $7,000 more than the typical Texas program in this field ($30,105), ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The debt load of $9,429 is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25β€”meaning graduates owe about three months' salary, which is quite favorable for a technical program.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, reaching $42,279 by year four, representing a 14% increase that demonstrates the program's long-term value. While this doesn't match the top-performing Texas programs like Amarillo College ($48,263), it significantly outperforms the state median and provides substantially better outcomes than most alternatives. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these figures.

For parents considering this investment, the numbers tell a clear story: your child would likely earn more than most precision metal working graduates in Texas while taking on manageable debt. The program serves a high percentage of Pell grant recipients (59%), suggesting it provides accessible pathways to middle-class earnings. This represents a smart investment for students seeking stable, well-paying technical careers without excessive educational debt.

Where Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally

Lincoln College of Technology-Grand PrairieOther precision metal working programs

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-Grand Prairie graduates compare to all programs nationally

Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie 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 Texas

Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (71 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie$37,249$42,279$9,4290.25
Amarillo College$48,263β€”β€”β€”
School of Automotive Machinists & Technology$43,065$50,472$16,3540.38
San Jacinto Community College$42,512$44,619β€”β€”
Lone Star College System$40,863$28,942$4,5620.11
Austin Community College District$39,261$43,110$15,8180.40
National Median$36,248β€”$9,0000.25

Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Amarillo College
Amarillo
$2,136$48,263β€”
School of Automotive Machinists & Technology
Houston
β€”$43,065$16,354
San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena
$1,992$42,512β€”
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands
$3,090$40,863$4,562
Austin Community College District
Austin
$2,550$39,261$15,818

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-Grand Prairie, approximately 59% 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.