Location: Marshalltown, IA•In-State Tuition: $5,304•Out-of-State Tuition: $5,808
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$45,434
Est. from national median (32 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,984
Est. from national median (21 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable drafting and design programs nationwide, Marshalltown's associate degree carries an estimated $12,984 in debt—positioning students to pay off their loans with less than three months of first-year income. That's a manageable financial start for a technical field where the earnings data suggests immediate workplace value.

Iowa's drafting and design programs cluster tightly around $45,000 in first-year earnings, and Marshalltown's estimated figures align with this state pattern. Des Moines Area Community College, the only Iowa school with published outcomes, reports nearly identical earnings at $44,886. This consistency across Iowa programs suggests the state's technical training ecosystem produces graduates who command similar entry-level compensation, regardless of which community college they attend. For parents worried about choosing the "right" Iowa school for drafting, the data indicates that credential and skills matter more than institutional prestige.

The caveat: these are estimates derived from peer institutions, not verified outcomes from Marshalltown's actual graduates. Before committing, ask the school directly about job placement rates and employer partnerships in the region. A program this affordable only delivers value if it successfully connects students to drafting positions—something the earnings estimates suggest is happening at similar programs, but which you'll want to confirm for Marshalltown specifically.

Where Marshalltown Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Marshalltown Community College (estimated ±10%)Other drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (9 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Marshalltown Community CollegeMarshalltown$5,304$45,434*—$12,984*—
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny$5,550$44,886*—$12,984*0.29
National Median—$45,434*—$13,250*0.29
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Drafters, All Other

All drafters not listed separately.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Marshalltown Community College, approximately 21% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 32 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.