Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Pittsburgh Technical College

Pittsburgh Technical College's drafting program trails most competitors, placing in just the 20th percentile nationally with starting earnings of $41,991—about $3,400 below the national median. Within Pennsylvania, the picture improves slightly to the 40th percentile, but graduates still earn less than those from YTI Career Institute-York ($45,684) or Pennsylvania College of Technology ($44,821). The modest $16,000 debt load offers some relief, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.38, though this advantage is tempered by the below-average starting point.

The most troubling aspect is the earnings stagnation: graduates see virtually no income growth from year one to year four, remaining around $42,000. For a technical field where skills and experience typically command higher pay, this flatline suggests limited advancement potential or challenging employment prospects. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (45%), which makes the weak earnings particularly concerning for families counting on upward mobility.

If your child is committed to drafting as a career path in Pennsylvania, consider the stronger-performing programs at YTI or Penn College of Technology first. The lower debt here doesn't compensate for consistently trailing earnings and zero growth trajectory. This program won't derail your child's finances, but it likely won't launch a strong technical career either.