Precision Metal Working at North Dakota State College of Science

With earnings nearly $10,000 above the national median for precision metal working programs, North Dakota State College of Science turns out graduates who immediately command premium wages in a trades market hungry for skilled workers. At $51,647 in year one, these grads earn more than 92% of precision metalworking programs nationwide—though the 60th percentile ranking within North Dakota suggests this strong performance reflects the state's robust manufacturing and energy sectors as much as the program itself.

The debt load of $11,246 translates to just over two months of gross income, creating breathing room that most associate degree holders don't enjoy. Earnings tick up modestly to $53,162 by year four, which is typical for trades that value hands-on experience but don't follow traditional corporate advancement ladders. Given that only three North Dakota schools offer this program and sample sizes are small, these numbers likely capture a tight-knit cohort entering specific regional employers.

For parents whose children have mechanical aptitude, this represents a low-risk entry into stable industrial work. The combination of minimal debt and immediate earning power means graduates can start building wealth or exploring specializations within months of finishing. Just understand that the ceiling may be lower than programs with steeper earning curves—you're paying for quick employment and financial independence, not decades of salary growth.