Design Engineering Technologies at Fox Valley Technical College
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 Design Engineering Technologies 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 Design Engineering Technologies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
A #17 ranking among 45 Design Engineering Technologies 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 Design Engineering Technologies reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Design Engineering Technologies 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% |
About Design Engineering Technologies Careers
Your career begins by transforming an engineer's rough sketch into a precise digital model. As an architectural drafter, you might spend your day in an office using software like Revit to create detailed blueprints for a new office building, then visit the construction site to verify measurements. As a mechanical drafter, you’d use SolidWorks to model a complex machine part, ensuring every tolerance is perfect for manufacturing.
Read the full Design Engineering Technologies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Design Engineering Technologies Overview
Design Engineering Technologies 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.