At $21,392/yr net price, Island Drafting and Technical Institute graduates earn $62,379/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,379/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,392 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,379/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,379/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,066/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,421/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,502/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,951/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,368/yr |
The Risk Factor
76.9% of students at Island Drafting and Technical Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Island Drafting and Technical Institute delivers solid financial returns for a private career college, with graduates earning $62,379 ten years out against annual costs of $21,392. Your investment pays back within the first few years of working, making this one of the better-performing for-profit technical schools in the region.
The school's drafting and CAD programs align well with Long Island's construction and manufacturing sectors, where technical drawing skills command decent wages. You'll find the strongest job prospects in architectural drafting and mechanical design, particularly if you plan to stay in the New York metropolitan area where these skills are in steady demand.
The 77% graduation rate shows most students complete their programs, but you face the typical risks of for-profit education: higher debt loads than community colleges and vulnerability if the school faces regulatory issues. Your job prospects depend heavily on local economic conditions, especially in construction and manufacturing.
This school works best if you're career-focused, want hands-on technical training, and can handle the higher costs compared to community college alternatives. You should look elsewhere if you're unsure about your career direction or want broad academic options. The 70% of students receiving financial aid suggests merit scholarships may be available, but expect to graduate with more debt than you would at a public two-year school.
Skip Island Drafting if you can get similar training at Nassau Community College or Suffolk County Community College for significantly less money, unless you specifically need the flexible scheduling or accelerated programs this school offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Island Drafting and Technical Institute worth the money?
Island Drafting and Technical Institute graduates earn $62,379 annually 10 years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a technical school. However, the $21,392 annual net price creates significant debt risk for a two-year program.
What is the ROI for Island Drafting and Technical Institute graduates?
With moderate post-graduation earnings and high tuition costs, Island Drafting shows mixed ROI results. The 77% graduation rate is above average for technical schools, but debt levels often exceed what entry-level technical salaries can comfortably support.
Do Island Drafting and Technical Institute programs lead to good-paying jobs?
Island Drafting graduates typically find work in drafting and CAD fields with starting salaries around $40,000-50,000. While job placement is generally solid, the high program cost relative to starting wages makes financial planning important.
Should I attend Island Drafting and Technical Institute or a cheaper alternative?
Community colleges often offer similar drafting and technical programs at significantly lower costs. Island Drafting's specialized focus may provide better industry connections, but the price premium is substantial compared to public alternatives.