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

Analysis

Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah's precision metal working program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with one standout advantage: exceptionally manageable debt. At $9,429 in median debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25, meaning they'll owe roughly three months' salary—far below what's typical for most career training programs.

The earnings picture is steady rather than spectacular. Starting at $37,249, graduates see their pay grow to $42,279 by year four, representing 14% growth. This places the program in the 60th percentile among New Jersey's precision metal working programs and 57th percentile nationally—essentially average performance. Among the state's top programs, Lincoln-Mahwah ties for second place with their South Plainfield campus, trailing only Universal Technical Institute-Bloomfield by about $2,000.

For parents concerned about education debt, this program offers a compelling value proposition. The low debt load means your child can start building wealth almost immediately rather than spending years paying off loans. While the earnings aren't exceptional, they're competitive for the field, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes. This is a pragmatic choice that prioritizes financial stability over maximum earning potential—ideal for families who want career training without the financial stress.

Where Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah Stands

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

Lincoln Technical Institute-MahwahOther 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 Technical Institute-Mahwah graduates compare to all programs nationally

Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah 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 New Jersey

Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah$37,249$42,279$9,4290.25
Universal Technical Institute-Bloomfield$39,141———
Lincoln Technical Institute-South Plainfield$37,249$42,279$9,4290.25
Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences$26,736$47,845$7,6000.28
National Median$36,248—$9,0000.25

Other Precision Metal Working Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Universal Technical Institute-Bloomfield
Bloomfield
—$39,141—
Lincoln Technical Institute-South Plainfield
South Plainfield
—$37,249$9,429
Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Paterson
—$26,736$7,600

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 Technical Institute-Mahwah, approximately 44% 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.