Drafting & Design Technology at Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

with a mid-sized student body of 6,004 in Appleton, WI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,782 at Fox Valley Technical College come in 7% above the national median of $42,040 for Drafting & Design Technology programs.

With a 57.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Drafting & Design Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #17 ranking among 45 Drafting & Design Technology programs places Fox Valley Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 28% earnings increase from $44,782 to $57,129 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Drafting & Design Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
49
Low End
54
Score
57
High End
Earnings $44,782/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$598K
6.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
60.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,832
Out-of-state: $14,218
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,129
28% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Drafting & Design Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720 -5.6% 43%
Mechanical drafters $68,510 -6.5% 50%
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280 +4.1% 46%
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720
-5.6% growth 43% AI-proof
Mechanical drafters
$68,510
-6.5% growth 50% AI-proof
Architectural and civil drafters
$64,280
+4.1% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Drafting & Design Technology Career Guide

Drafting & Design Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fox Valley Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Drafting & Design Technology at Fox Valley Technical College?
At 54/100, Fox Valley Technical College's Drafting & Design Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Drafting & Design Technology at Fox Valley Technical College?
AI won't eliminate Drafting & Design Technology careers, but it may reshape them. At Fox Valley Technical College, a score of 54/100 already accounts for the 40% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Drafting & Design Technology graduates?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Drafting & Design Technology career paths, including Design Drafter, Electromec. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Fox Valley Technical College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →