Precision Metal Working at NASCAR Technical Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
NASCAR Technical Institute's Precision Metal Working program offers a surprisingly balanced value proposition in a field where debt often spirals out of control. At $10,593 in median debt, graduates emerge with manageable obligations—well below the national average and landing in just the 21st percentile for debt burden nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates typically earn back their entire investment in about four months of work.
The earnings picture is solid if not spectacular. First-year graduates earn $37,568, which beats both the national median ($36,248) and North Carolina's median ($37,004) for this program type. Among North Carolina's precision metalworking programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—competitive but not exceptional. Davidson-Davie Community College leads the state at nearly $40,000, but NASCAR Tech holds its own in a crowded field of 59 programs statewide.
For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals work: low debt, competitive earnings, and strong job market demand in precision manufacturing. With nearly half the student body receiving Pell grants, the program serves working-class families well without trapping them in excessive debt. While it won't make anyone wealthy, it provides a reliable path to middle-class earnings with minimal financial risk.
Where NASCAR Technical Institute 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 NASCAR Technical Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
NASCAR Technical Institute graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Technical Institute | $37,568 | — | $10,593 | 0.28 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | $39,990 | — | $11,000 | 0.28 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | $37,078 | — | — | — |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $36,930 | $36,750 | — | — |
| Johnston Community College | $34,171 | — | — | — |
| Richmond Community College | $31,268 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davidson-Davie Community College Thomasville | $1,978 | $39,990 | $11,000 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville | $2,882 | $37,078 | — |
| Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown | $2,319 | $36,930 | — |
| Johnston Community College Smithfield | $2,657 | $34,171 | — |
| Richmond Community College Hamlet | $2,552 | $31,268 | — |
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 NASCAR Technical Institute, approximately 46% 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 496 graduates with reported earnings and 491 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.