Precision Metal Working at Lone Star College System

This precision metal working certificate earns graduates over $10,000 more than the typical Texas program in this field, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide—but there's a catch you need to see. First-year earnings of $40,863 look solid, especially with minimal debt of just $4,562. However, by year four, median earnings drop to $28,942, a 29% decline that's difficult to explain without more context. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically with more data, and that earnings drop might reflect unusual circumstances rather than a reliable pattern.

Here's the practical reality: if your child completes this program and follows the typical trajectory, they'd pay off their debt in roughly two months of work. That's exceptional. The question is whether those strong first-year earnings represent sustainable employment or something more temporary. The fact that other Houston-area schools like San Jacinto show steadier patterns suggests this decline isn't industry-standard.

The low debt makes this a relatively low-risk credential, but treat the earnings figures as preliminary. If your child is considering this route, connect with recent graduates directly to understand what's actually happening in years 2-4. The financial downside is minimal, but you'd want confidence that the career path offers more stability than these numbers currently suggest.