Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Valencia College

Valencia College's drafting and design technology program delivers first-year earnings of $45,701—right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $45,434. What makes this particularly relevant is the estimated debt load: at roughly $13,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28, meaning the entire debt could theoretically be paid off in about three months of gross income. This is a manageable starting point for an associate degree in a technical field.

The earnings figure places graduates in the middle of the pack nationally but slightly ahead within Florida, suggesting the program provides solid technical training without the premium outcomes of top-tier programs. For context, national data shows this field can reach nearly $50,000 at the 75th percentile, so there's upward potential as graduates gain experience. The debt estimate comes from comparable programs at similar institutions, not Valencia's specific outcomes, but the figure aligns closely with national norms for this credential.

For parents weighing this investment, the combination of moderate debt and immediate earning potential creates a practical pathway into engineering support roles. The key question is whether your student is committed to technical drafting work—the returns justify the cost, but only if they complete the degree and enter the field.