Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College's drafting and design program produces graduates who land squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Michigan. With first-year earnings of $45,844, graduates out-earn 60% of Michigan programs in this field, though they trail Grand Rapids Community College's program by about $4,000. The debt load of $13,750 translates to just 3.6 months of gross income, a manageable burden that gives graduates breathing room as they establish their careers.

The numbers here suggest a solid, workmanlike option rather than a standout choice. You're getting exactly what you'd expect from a community college drafting program—adequate preparation at reasonable cost—without the premium outcomes that top Michigan programs deliver. For students choosing between Oakland and nearby Macomb Community College, the earnings are nearly identical, so proximity and campus fit should drive the decision.

One important caveat: the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with a different cohort. Still, the fundamentals are sound—graduates leave with minimal debt and immediately earn enough to justify the investment. If your child is certain about a career in drafting and design, this program won't leave them struggling with debt, even if it won't propel them to the top of the earnings curve either.