Precision Metalworking at Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, MN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 3,607 in Saint Paul, MN.

Program Analysis

At $50,842 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Saint Paul College significantly outpace the $36,869 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 93.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 14% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #24 of 355 programs, Saint Paul College's Precision Metalworking program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $60,060 are relatively flat compared to the $50,842 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

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

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $50,842/yr (38% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$618K
4.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
97.8x
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
$6,318
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,060
18% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metalworking 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 →

Precision Metalworking Career Guide

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Saint Paul College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Saint Paul College?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Is Precision Metalworking from Saint Paul College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Saint Paul College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Saint Paul College?
At $9,500 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Saint Paul College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
If Saint Paul College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →