Precision Metal Working at Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College's precision metal working certificate starts at earnings that fall significantly below expectations—graduates rank in just the 10th percentile statewide, earning $37,249 less than peers at top Colorado programs like Aims Community College. That first-year figure of $25,970 is nearly $11,000 below Colorado's median for this field and almost $10,000 below the national benchmark.

The silver lining is 30% earnings growth over four years, bringing graduates to $33,636—though even this improved number still lags behind what most other Colorado programs deliver right out of the gate. At least the debt burden is manageable at $6,625, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 that's better than many alternatives. However, when other Colorado schools are placing graduates into $40,000+ positions within the first year, even low debt can't compensate for the earnings gap.

For parents considering this program, the core issue is opportunity cost. Your child could attend Aims Community College or Emily Griffith Technical College nearby and potentially earn $15,000-$20,000 more annually from day one. Unless there are compelling geographic or personal reasons to stay in Pueblo, the data suggests looking at Colorado's higher-performing metal working programs first.