Precision Metal Working at South Central College

South Central College's Precision Metal Working certificate presents an intriguing puzzle: minimal debt (just $3,666—far below the $9,000 national median) but earnings that lag behind Minnesota's strongest programs. At $41,527 in the first year, graduates earn well above the national median but about $8,000 less than what the state's top programs deliver. Among Minnesota's 22 programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile.

The low debt load changes the equation considerably. While Hennepin Tech and Alexandria Tech graduates earn more out of the gate, South Central's rock-bottom debt means graduates keep more of what they earn. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.09 is exceptional—you could pay off the entire certificate cost in about a month of work. Earnings do grow to $47,625 by year four, a solid 15% bump, though that still trails the state's top programs.

For families prioritizing affordability, this program delivers respectable technical training without the burden. You're trading about $10,000 in first-year earnings compared to the state's best programs, but you're also avoiding $5,000-6,000 in additional debt. If your student can secure one of the higher-paying positions in the field, that debt advantage compounds quickly. Just know that within Minnesota, there are programs with stronger employer connections or more advanced equipment that consistently place graduates into higher-paying positions.