Precision Metal Working at St Cloud Technical and Community College

St Cloud Technical delivers earnings well above the national average for precision metal working, with first-year graduates earning $49,636 compared to the national median of $36,248. That's nearly $13,000 more annually—strong evidence that their training connects students with quality manufacturing jobs. However, within Minnesota's competitive landscape of technical colleges, this program lands in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Hennepin Technical ($52,456) and Alexandria Tech ($51,141).

The financial picture is straightforward: with just $9,500 in median debt and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months of entering the workforce. Earnings grow modestly to $52,427 by year four, suggesting stable employment in Minnesota's manufacturing sector. For students focused on entering a skilled trade quickly without accumulating significant debt, this represents a practical pathway to middle-class earnings.

The takeaway: If your child wants hands-on metalworking training and plans to stay in Minnesota, this program delivers solid value with minimal financial risk. While a few other state technical colleges show slightly higher earnings, the differences are marginal enough that location and fit should guide your decision more than chasing an extra thousand or two in median salary.