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Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Eastern Michigan University graduates in drafting and design engineering technology earn $69,338 annually, more than double what some peers make at other affordable programs. The 19 programs under $20,000 show dramatic variation, from Glendale Community College's $7,461 net cost to Weber State's graduates earning $58,673. California leads the nation in computer-aided design jobs, with aerospace and automotive manufacturers driving demand for skilled drafting technicians. Public universities dominate this field, offering in-state tuition as low as $1,181 at Glendale while private options like Baker College maintain selective 37% acceptance rates. Murray State University balances affordability at $9,121 with solid 60% graduation rates, while Montana State Northern provides the lowest in-state tuition at $6,269 for residents seeking technical training in rural markets.
19
Programs
$7,461 – $19,734
Net Price Range
$51,759
Avg. Program Earnings
46.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,461 $1,181 33.3%
2 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
3 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
4 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
5 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
6 $14,164 $6,269 42.3%
7 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
8 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
9 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
10 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
11 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
12 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
13 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
14 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
17 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
18 $19,125 $7,683 32.3% 42.4%
19 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $33,528 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Eastern Michigan graduates earn $69,338 while Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates start at $35,810, reflecting regional job markets and program focus. Michigan's automotive industry and Indiana's manufacturing base create different salary expectations. Weber State graduates also command $58,673, benefiting from Utah's growing tech sector. Program length and certification levels also influence starting salaries significantly.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

Ball State University achieves 63% graduation rates at $15,898 net cost, while Glendale Community College graduates only 33% of students despite costing $7,461. East Carolina maintains 62% completion at $16,514, showing that moderate spending often yields better outcomes. Baker College's 31% rate at $15,171 suggests private schools don't guarantee success in this technical field.

Where can students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

Murray State University offers strong value at $9,121 with 60% graduation rates and $38,289 starting salaries. Weber State provides strong earning potential at $58,673 for $10,722 net cost. University of Central Missouri graduates earn $54,154 while paying $15,336, creating solid return on investment. These schools balance affordability with meaningful career preparation.

Does geographic location significantly impact program costs?

Western states show the widest cost variation, from Glendale's $7,461 to Weber State's $10,722 net prices. Midwestern public universities cluster around $15,000-16,000, including Ball State at $15,898 and Central Michigan at $16,041. Montana State Northern offers remarkably low $6,269 in-state tuition, while Southern schools like East Carolina charge $7,361 for residents.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.