Analysis
With peer programs in Nebraska producing first-year earnings between $39,000 and $49,000, Metropolitan Community College's Precision Metal Working program likely falls somewhere in this rangeβthough without school-specific data, it's impossible to know whether graduates here track closer to Southeast Community College's stronger outcomes or Central Community College's more modest returns. Based on comparable programs nationally, students can expect around $41,500 in first-year earnings against an estimated $11,500 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that's manageable by most standards.
The state benchmark suggests Nebraska programs typically carry debt around $8,575, so Metropolitan's estimate runs slightly higher than the typical in-state load. However, the real uncertainty here is earnings trajectory. Precision metal working can lead to solid middle-class careers in manufacturing and fabrication, but much depends on local industry demand and whether the curriculum aligns with employer needs in the Omaha metro area. The stronger-performing programs in Nebraska suggest there's demand for these skills, but outcomes clearly vary by institution.
For families considering this path, the estimated figures suggest reasonable upfront costs, but you'll want direct conversations with the program about job placement rates, employer partnerships, and graduate outcomes before committing. The lack of reported data makes it difficult to assess whether this specific program delivers on the trade's earning potential in your region.
Where Metropolitan Community College Area Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Precision Metal Working associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,285 | $41,504* | β | $11,562* | β | |
| $3,540 | $49,114* | $53,879 | $11,650* | 0.24 | |
| $3,360 | $39,409* | $44,476 | $5,500* | 0.14 | |
| National Median | β | $41,504* | β | $12,000* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with precision metal working graduates
Sheet Metal Workers
Machinists
Tool and Die Makers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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 Metropolitan Community College Area, approximately 20% 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 56 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.