Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Rowan College at Burlington County

Peer programs across the country suggest this associate's degree in drafting and design technology typically leads to first-year earnings around $45,400—a solid starting point for a two-year technical credential. The estimated $13,000 in debt puts graduates in a manageable position, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 that's well within the comfort zone for technical programs. For comparison, the national median for this field sits at virtually identical levels, which means students here are likely tracking with broader market outcomes rather than facing any particular regional disadvantage.

The challenge is that without actual data from Rowan College or its three peers in New Jersey, you're betting on averages holding true locally. Drafting and design technology jobs exist across manufacturing, architecture, and engineering firms throughout the state, but specific employer connections and program reputation matter tremendously in technical fields. Similar programs nationwide range from about $45,000 to just under $50,000 in first-year earnings, suggesting some programs deliver notably better outcomes than others—likely those with stronger industry partnerships or more specialized curriculum.

If your child has already demonstrated interest in technical drawing or CAD work, the estimated debt load makes this a relatively low-risk investment compared to bachelor's degrees that cost three times as much. But before committing, reach out to the program directly about job placement rates and where recent graduates have actually landed—that local intelligence will tell you far more than national averages can.