Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (22 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rochester Community and Technical College$42,728
Hennepin Technical College$52,456$52,821$9,3290.18
Alexandria Technical & Community College$51,141$55,483$9,5000.19
Saint Paul College$50,842$50,851$9,9280.20
Dakota County Technical College$50,464$45,038$5,5000.11
St Cloud Technical and Community College$49,636$52,427$9,5000.19
National Median$36,248$9,0000.25

Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park
$5,881$52,456$9,329
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Alexandria
$6,213$51,141$9,500
Saint Paul College
Saint Paul
$6,318$50,842$9,928
Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount
$6,419$50,464$5,500
St Cloud Technical and Community College
Saint Cloud
$4,957$49,636$9,500

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 Rochester Community and Technical College, approximately 29% 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.