Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Weber State University

Weber State's drafting and design technology bachelor's sits right at the national midpoint for similar programs, with first-year earnings estimated around $60,000 and debt near $27,000. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates should be able to manage their loans on a typical technical professional's salary—you're looking at roughly half a year's income in debt for a four-year degree. The jump to $70,000 by year four shows steady career progression in a field where CAD skills and technical drafting remain in demand across construction, manufacturing, and engineering firms.

The catch is that these figures come from peer programs nationally rather than Weber State's specific outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how this particular program performs. With only 27 schools nationwide offering this bachelor's and Weber State being Utah's sole option, you're evaluating a relatively niche credential. The low percentage of Pell-eligible students (16%) might signal either a program that attracts more affluent students or one that struggles to reach first-generation college families—worth understanding which applies here.

For families considering this path: the estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics for a technical degree, but you'll want direct conversations with the department about job placement rates and employer connections in Utah's construction and tech sectors. This isn't a gamble on a low-paying field—it's a question of whether this specific program delivers the hands-on training and industry networks that make drafting graduates employable.