Precision Metal Working at TCAT Athens
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Earnings Distribution
How TCAT Athens graduates compare to all programs nationally
TCAT Athens graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCAT Athens | $35,913 | $45,261 | $7,913* | — |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson | $43,864 | $41,465 | —* | — |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro | $42,688 | — | —* | — |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville | $40,605 | $46,721 | —* | — |
| Chattanooga State Community College | $39,664 | $38,759 | $4,611* | 0.12 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville | $39,054 | $43,143 | —* | — |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000* | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson Jackson | — | $43,864 | — |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro Murfreesboro | — | $42,688 | — |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville Shelbyville | — | $40,605 | — |
| Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga | $4,550 | $39,664 | $4,611 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville Knoxville | — | $39,054 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At TCAT Athens, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.