Precision Metal Working at Washburn Institute of Technology

Washburn Institute graduates from this precision metalworking program start strong at nearly $40,000 annually—well above both the national and Kansas medians—but hit a troubling reversal by year four, with earnings dropping 9% to $36,000. That backward slide is particularly concerning for a technical credential that should provide steady, skill-based wage growth as workers gain experience and move into more specialized roles.

The upside here is minimal debt: at $6,642, graduates owe roughly what they'd make in two months of work, creating virtually no financial stress regardless of the earnings trajectory. Among Kansas metalworking programs, this is the top performer initially, and it ranks in the 73rd percentile nationally for first-year outcomes. But something happens after that promising start—whether it's local industry conditions in Topeka, limited advancement opportunities, or graduates pivoting to other work—that erodes the initial advantage.

For parents considering this program, the math still works: your child graduates with manageable debt and immediately employable skills. Just understand that this appears to be a path to steady blue-collar income rather than a launching pad for significant wage growth. If your student plans to stay in the Topeka area long-term and values job security over earnings potential, the low debt makes this a defensible choice.