Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Youngstown State University

A projected debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests a manageable burden for this technical program, though the numbers require important context. Since Youngstown State's graduate cohort is too small to report publicly, these figures come from national medians across similar drafting and design programs. That $45,434 estimated first-year salary and $12,984 in debt track closely with what the field typically delivers—neither impressive nor concerning by technical education standards.

The real question is whether this particular program matches those national outcomes. With 17 schools offering drafting programs in Ohio and none reporting public data for this credential level, you're essentially betting that Youngstown State's execution mirrors what happens elsewhere. The school's 33% Pell population and accessible admissions suggest a practical, working-class student body, which aligns with the trades-adjacent nature of drafting work. But without actual placement data or employer connections specific to this program, you're taking the Department of Education's best guess at face value.

If your child is mechanically inclined and certain about CAD work, the estimated numbers aren't prohibitive. But confirming that Youngstown actually places graduates in drafting roles—rather than assuming national patterns apply—should be step one. Ask the department directly about employment outcomes and relationships with local manufacturers or engineering firms before committing.