Precision Metal Working at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

At $26,579 in first-year earnings, Pulaski Tech's precision metal working certificate falls short of what most Arkansas programs deliver—it's below the state median of $28,831 and trails competing programs like Arkansas Northeastern College (which reports $47,110) by a substantial margin. While the $4,142 in median debt is refreshingly low compared to both state and national averages, this program lands in just the 12th percentile nationally for earnings, suggesting graduates are starting at wage levels that may not justify even a short certificate program.

The good news is the debt burden won't haunt graduates—at roughly 16% of first-year earnings, it's manageable enough to pay off quickly. The bad news is that those first-year wages barely clear $12 per hour, and for skilled trades work, that's concerning. Even within Arkansas, this program sits in just the 40th percentile, meaning more than half of comparable in-state programs produce better outcomes.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, but the pattern is clear enough: if your child is interested in metal working, Arkansas has stronger options. Arkansas Northeastern's program delivers nearly double the earnings, and even Southern Arkansas University Tech—with similar first-year wages—might offer better long-term prospects. Unless location in North Little Rock is non-negotiable, this certificate looks like a weak investment for developing a skilled trade career.