Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Seward County Community College

Kansas has nine drafting and design programs, and Seward County Community College's estimated outcomes suggest it delivers solid middle-ground value for this technical credential. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates here can expect around $45,400 in first-year earnings—right at the national median and just slightly below Kansas programs like Wichita State's Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, which reports $46,949. That small gap matters less than the estimated debt load of roughly $13,000, which creates a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio and positions graduates to pay off loans within months of starting work.

The real question for parents is whether an associate's degree in drafting technology still opens doors in today's CAD-driven engineering landscape. While peer programs produce consistent earnings in the mid-$40,000s, this field rewards hands-on skills and software proficiency more than pedigree. The low estimated debt is crucial here—it gives your child financial flexibility to either enter the workforce immediately or pursue additional certifications without being underwater. For families in southwestern Kansas where living costs are lower than state averages, these earnings stretch further than they would in Wichita or Kansas City.

If your child thrives with technical problem-solving and computer-based design work, this estimated value proposition looks reasonable. The key is ensuring they build a strong portfolio during their program and graduate with actual industry-standard CAD skills, since employers in this field care more about what you can produce than where you studied.