Precision Metal Working at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College trains precision metalworkers at remarkably low cost—just $5,500 in median debt—but graduates land squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's metalworking job market. While earnings beat the national median by $5,000 and place this program in the 80th percentile nationally, Wisconsin students have notably better options. At 40th percentile statewide, NWTC graduates earn roughly $6,000 less than the state median and trail programs at Fox Valley Technical College ($53,507) and several other Wisconsin schools by $7,000 or more annually.

The minimal debt load is this program's strongest selling point. At 0.13 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can pay off their certificate in months rather than years. Earnings also grow steadily, reaching $47,856 by year four—a 16% increase that suggests metalworkers gain value with experience. For Green Bay-area students prioritizing proximity and low financial risk, this remains a viable path into skilled manufacturing work.

However, if your child can access Fox Valley or Chippewa Valley Technical Colleges (both within Wisconsin's technical college system), the $6,000-10,000 annual earnings premium is substantial enough to justify the extra commute or relocation. NWTC makes sense primarily for students who need to stay local or want to minimize any debt exposure, but it's a middling choice in a state with stronger programs.