Precision Metal Working at Southern Careers Institute-Austin

This precision metal working program at Southern Careers Institute-Austin delivers concerning results that should give parents pause. With first-year earnings of just $25,077—landing in the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile in Texas—graduates earn significantly less than the national median of $36,248 and even trail the Texas median of $30,105 by over $5,000 annually.

The debt situation provides some relief, with graduates owing $7,125 compared to typical program debt of $9,000-$9,450, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28. However, this lower debt doesn't compensate for the dramatically underperforming earnings. Other Texas schools demonstrate much stronger outcomes: nearby Austin Community College District produces graduates earning $39,261—over $14,000 more annually—while top performers like Amarillo College nearly double this program's earnings at $48,263.

While the 16% earnings growth over four years shows some positive trajectory, graduates would still trail most competitors even after several years in the field. For families considering this investment, the data suggests looking elsewhere in Texas's robust community college system, where students can access similar training with significantly better earning potential at comparable or lower costs.