Precision Metal Working at Midlands Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Midlands Technical College graduates from this precision metal working program earn $47,556 just one year out—nearly $13,000 above the state median and crushing the national benchmark by more than 30%. Among the 16 schools offering this program in South Carolina, only York Technical College posts higher earnings. That's impressive performance for a field where the typical graduate nationally earns $36,000.
The debt burden here is remarkably light at $10,500, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.22. That means graduates could theoretically pay off their entire student debt with less than three months of gross earnings—far better than most bachelor's degrees. The combination of strong earnings and modest debt is exactly what you want to see in a technical credential, especially when 39% of students qualify for Pell grants, suggesting the program effectively serves working-class families.
The catch? This data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. But the fundamentals are compelling: low financial risk, immediate earning potential that exceeds most alternatives in the state, and training for skilled trades work that remains in demand. For a student interested in precision manufacturing, this program delivers one of the better returns you'll find in South Carolina's technical college system.
Where Midlands Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
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 Midlands Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Midlands Technical College graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midlands Technical College | $47,556 | — | $10,500 | 0.22 |
| York Technical College | $50,309 | $43,479 | $11,250 | 0.22 |
| Spartanburg Community College | $38,147 | $36,665 | — | — |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | $34,948 | $36,439 | $7,230 | 0.21 |
| Piedmont Technical College | $34,928 | $38,383 | $11,625 | 0.33 |
| Arclabs | $34,843 | — | $9,500 | 0.27 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| York Technical College Rock Hill | $5,512 | $50,309 | $11,250 |
| Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg | $5,046 | $38,147 | — |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College Florence | $4,636 | $34,948 | $7,230 |
| Piedmont Technical College Greenwood | $4,775 | $34,928 | $11,625 |
| Arclabs Piedmont | — | $34,843 | $9,500 |
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 Midlands Technical College, approximately 39% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.