Precision Metal Working at Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This precision metal working program delivers mixed results that require careful consideration. While the $13,000 debt load is impressively low—ranking in the 5th percentile nationally—the first-year earnings of $30,105 fall well short of the national median of $36,248 for similar programs. However, within Texas specifically, this program performs at the median level (60th percentile), suggesting the lower earnings may reflect regional wage differences rather than program quality issues.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 is quite manageable, meaning graduates typically earn back their entire debt investment in less than six months. The 19% earnings growth from year one to four shows solid career progression, reaching $35,704 by the fourth year. With 80% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population that needs affordable career training.
The concerning factor is the significant earnings gap compared to top Texas programs—Amarillo College graduates earn $48,263, nearly 60% more than this program's first-year median. For families prioritizing maximum earning potential, exploring community college alternatives like San Jacinto or Lone Star might be worth the extra research. However, if your child needs a shorter, more accessible program with minimal debt risk, this could work as an entry point into the field, especially given the solid earnings growth trajectory.
Where Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi 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 Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 22th 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 Texas
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (71 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi | $30,105 | $35,704 | $13,000 | 0.43 |
| Amarillo College | $48,263 | — | — | — |
| School of Automotive Machinists & Technology | $43,065 | $50,472 | $16,354 | 0.38 |
| San Jacinto Community College | $42,512 | $44,619 | — | — |
| Lone Star College System | $40,863 | $28,942 | $4,562 | 0.11 |
| Austin Community College District | $39,261 | $43,110 | $15,818 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College Amarillo | $2,136 | $48,263 | — |
| School of Automotive Machinists & Technology Houston | — | $43,065 | $16,354 |
| San Jacinto Community College Pasadena | $1,992 | $42,512 | — |
| Lone Star College System The Woodlands | $3,090 | $40,863 | $4,562 |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $39,261 | $15,818 |
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 Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi, approximately 80% 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 809 graduates with reported earnings and 631 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.