Drafting & Design Technology at Oakland Community College

Auburn Hills, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

enrolling 11,772 students in Auburn Hills, MI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,844/yr, edging above the $42,040 national average for Drafting & Design Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 84.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Drafting & Design Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Drafting & Design Technology's career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

At #8 of 45 nationally, this is a top-5% Drafting & Design Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Drafting & Design Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
59
Score
61
High End
Earnings $45,844/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$526K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
87.0x
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)
$6,040
Out-of-state: $11,120

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

What can you do with a Drafting & Design Technology credential from Oakland Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oakland Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Oakland Community College's Drafting & Design Technology program score?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Drafting & Design Technology field.
Should I worry about AI if I study Drafting & Design Technology at Oakland Community College?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Oakland Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What makes Oakland Community College's Drafting & Design Technology program stand out?
Ranked #8 of 45 programs nationally, Oakland Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Drafting & Design Technology?
If Oakland Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Drafting & Design Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →