Analysis
Comparable precision metal working programs in Texas typically produce first-year earnings around $35,000—positioning graduates for manageable debt repayment at roughly three months of annual income. By year four, earnings climb to over $41,000, suggesting steady wage progression in this field. With estimated debt near $9,200, considerably below the national median of $12,000 for this credential, the financial foundation looks solid if Paris Junior College's outcomes track with state peers.
The real question is competitive positioning. Top programs in Texas like Austin Community College place graduates at $45,000+ in their first year, nearly $10,000 more than the state median this estimate draws from. While Paris Junior College may perform anywhere within that range—from Vernon College's $32,000 to Austin's $45,000—there's no program-specific data to confirm where they actually land. For a parent evaluating this investment, that uncertainty matters when stronger-performing alternatives exist within the state system.
If your child is committed to skilled trades and Paris Junior College offers the best fit geographically or financially, the estimated debt load won't become crushing even at lower earnings levels. But given the wide variation among Texas programs, you'd want concrete placement rates and alumni outcomes from the college itself before choosing this over documented strong performers like Austin Community College or Texas State Technical College.
Where Paris Junior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Junior College | — | $41,633 | — |
| Texas State Technical College | $39,234 | $49,323 | +26% |
| Austin Community College District | $45,279 | $48,510 | +7% |
| Trinity Valley Community College | $35,123 | $45,541 | +30% |
| Vernon College | $32,206 | $37,399 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Precision Metal Working associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,580 | $35,123* | $41,633 | $9,168* | — | |
| $2,550 | $45,279* | $48,510 | $14,122* | 0.31 | |
| $7,192 | $39,234* | $49,323 | $9,168* | 0.23 | |
| $2,640 | $35,123* | $45,541 | —* | — | |
| $4,920 | $33,167* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,080 | $32,206* | $37,399 | $5,500* | 0.17 | |
| National Median | — | $41,504* | — | $12,000* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with precision metal working graduates
Sheet Metal Workers
Machinists
Tool and Die Makers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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 Paris Junior College, approximately 23% 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 median of 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.