Precision Metal Working at Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro Community and Technical College's precision metal working program outperforms 95% of similar programs nationally but lands in the middle of Kentucky's competitive technical training landscape. While $45,366 in first-year earnings beats the national median by $9,000, it trails the state's top performers—Southcentral Kentucky and Elizabethtown both place graduates earning over $50,000. At $7,475 in median debt, students are taking on manageable obligations with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.16, meaning they'd owe about two months' worth of first-year income.

The real question is whether Owensboro's location offers better job prospects than commuting to a higher-earning program elsewhere in Kentucky. That $13,000 earnings gap with Southcentral Kentucky compounds quickly over a career, but if you're already in the Owensboro area or have family commitments that make relocation difficult, this program delivers solid returns without excessive debt. The 30% Pell grant enrollment suggests it's serving working-class students effectively, and the moderate sample size indicates consistent placement success.

For families weighing in-state options, this program works well if geography matters. If you have flexibility, comparing local job markets and employer relationships at Kentucky's top-performing programs could justify the extra effort. Either way, you're looking at technical training that pays off quickly with minimal financial risk.