Precision Metal Working at The Fab School

The Fab School delivers something rare in vocational training: strong earnings with minimal debt. At just $4,449 borrowed, this program costs about half what California students typically pay for metal working certificates, while graduates earn $39,592 their first year—beating 60% of comparable programs statewide. That puts earnings roughly on par with mid-tier California community colleges, but with dramatically less financial burden.

The earnings trajectory tells a more complicated story. Income actually drops about 7% between year one and year four, ending at $36,707. This pattern isn't unusual in skilled trades where entry-level positions sometimes pay better than subsequent roles, particularly if graduates move between employers or take on different responsibilities. Still, even at the four-year mark, earnings remain solidly above California's median for this credential.

What matters most here is the tradeoff: you're looking at immediate employment earning close to $40,000, with debt that represents just 11% of first-year income—far below the concerning 1:1 ratios seen in weaker programs. For students wanting to enter manufacturing quickly without significant debt, this program accomplishes exactly that. The earnings decline bears watching, but the low financial risk makes this a defensible path into the industry.