Design Engineering Technologies at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 2,875 students in Fergus Falls, MN.
Program Analysis
Minnesota State Community and Technical College's Design Engineering Technologies graduates start at $44,988/yr — above the $42,040 national average, though not by a wide margin.
With a 42.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 9% 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.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,341 in median debt clears fast against $44,988 in annual earnings.
A #24 ranking among 45 Design Engineering Technologies programs places Minnesota State Community and Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
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 Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.