Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Remington College-Fort Worth Campus

Remington College-Fort Worth's drafting certificate shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn about $29,300 initially, then see their income slip to $28,400 by year four. While the debt load is manageable at under $13,000—well below what most certificate programs demand—the stagnant earnings trajectory raises questions about whether this credential opens doors to career advancement.

The program sits in the middle of the pack nationally but performs slightly better within Texas, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. That sounds encouraging until you see what's possible: Austin Community College's drafting program produces graduates earning $45,000—nearly 60% more than Remington grads. The gap suggests that not all drafting certificates deliver equal opportunities, and prospective students would be wise to understand why some programs lead to substantially better outcomes.

For families already stretched thin—85% of students here receive Pell grants—this certificate could provide entry into drafting work without crippling debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year of living frugally. But the earnings decline over time suggests graduates may struggle to move beyond entry-level positions. If your child is set on drafting as a career, compare this program directly with community college alternatives that show stronger earnings growth before committing.