Precision Metal Working at Piedmont Technical College

Piedmont Technical College's precision metalworking certificate costs $11,625 and leads to first-year earnings of $34,928—a manageable debt load that graduates can realistically pay off within two years. While this program sits in the 60th percentile among South Carolina's metalworking offerings, it's worth noting that several other technical colleges in the state produce significantly better outcomes, with York Tech and Midlands Tech graduates earning $15,000-$20,000 more annually.

The program does show steady earnings growth, with graduates reaching $38,383 by year four, a 10% increase that suggests genuine skill development. The debt burden remains reasonable compared to what certificate programs typically charge—landing in the 14th percentile nationally means graduates carry less debt than 86% of their peers elsewhere. For a working-class family in Greenwood where nearly half of students receive Pell grants, this accessibility matters.

However, if your child has geographic flexibility, they should seriously consider the state's higher-performing programs. The $15,000 annual earnings gap between Piedmont and top-tier alternatives like York Tech represents a substantial difference in lifetime earnings. If Greenwood's local job market or family obligations make Piedmont the practical choice, the program offers decent value with manageable debt. But if relocation is possible, stronger options exist elsewhere in South Carolina's technical college system.