Precision Metal Working at Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, MN · Private nonprofit · Certificate

With 98% of applicants admitted, Dunwoody College of Technology prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,417 students in Minneapolis, MN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,559 at Dunwoody College of Technology come in 21% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metal Working programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 22.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metal Working programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 25% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $44,559 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #208 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Dunwoody College of Technology falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $44,559 to $58,679 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Precision Metal Working offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $44,559/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$619K
7.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
24.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$25,659
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
1.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,679
32% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metal Working graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers $65,670 +12.8% 20%
Tool and die makers $63,180 -10.8% 81%
Model makers, metal and plastic $62,700 -18.2% 84%
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
$65,670
+12.8% growth 20% AI-proof
Tool and die makers
$63,180
-10.8% growth 81% AI-proof
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700
-18.2% growth 84% AI-proof

View all 24 career paths with full salary data →

About Precision Metal Working Careers

You’ll begin your career with your hands on the tools of the trade. As a welder, you could be fusing steel beams high on a construction site or meticulously joining pipes for critical infrastructure. As a machinist, you might work from complex blueprints, operating lathes and mills to craft high-tolerance parts for the aerospace or medical industries. Most paths start with an apprenticeship, learning directly from seasoned professionals on the job.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metal Working at Dunwoody College of Technology?
At 53/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metal Working is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
How affordable is Precision Metal Working at Dunwoody College of Technology?
At $5,500 in median debt, Precision Metal Working graduates from Dunwoody College of Technology carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metal Working occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →