Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at North Central State College
Associate's Degree
ncstatecollege.eduAnalysis
North Central State College's drafting program appears to follow a pattern common to technical associate degrees nationally: moderate debt paired with immediate earning potential. Based on what similar programs across the country report, graduates typically earn around $45,400 in their first year while carrying roughly $13,000 in debt—a 0.29 ratio that falls well within the manageable range for technical training.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With 17 schools offering this credential in Ohio, outcomes can vary significantly based on local industry connections and curriculum specifics. The national figures suggest this field provides solid entry-level technical employment, but we can't verify whether North Central State's specific program performs above, at, or below that benchmark. What we do know is that drafting and design technology typically leads to steady work in manufacturing, architecture, and engineering firms—sectors with established presence in Ohio.
For an anxious parent, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student is committed to technical work and this field specifically. The debt burden is modest enough that even if actual outcomes fall somewhat short of the national estimate, graduates should be able to manage repayment. However, you're making this decision with less information than ideal—consider visiting the program, speaking with recent graduates if possible, and confirming job placement rates directly with the school before committing.
Where North Central State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,624 | $45,434* | — | $12,984* | — | |
| $6,270 | $55,893* | $55,521 | —* | — | |
| $25,659 | $55,512* | $63,409 | $20,625* | 0.37 | |
| $5,040 | $54,198* | $53,078 | —* | — | |
| $3,861 | $53,105* | $53,278 | $8,000* | 0.15 | |
| $2,550 | $50,584* | $51,524 | $14,000* | 0.28 | |
| National Median | — | $45,434* | — | $13,250* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians graduates
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 North Central State College, approximately 24% 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.