Drafting & Design Technology at South Louisiana Community College

Lafayette, LA · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 4,837 in Lafayette, LA.

Program Analysis

South Louisiana Community College's Drafting & Design Technology graduates start at $34,056/yr, trailing the $42,040 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 45.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

At #32 out of 45 programs, South Louisiana Community College's financial outcomes for Drafting & Design Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Drafting & Design Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
45
Score
48
High End
Earnings $34,056/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$390K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
46.4x
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
$8,420

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Drafting & Design Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Louisiana Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Drafting & Design Technology at South Louisiana Community College?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Drafting & Design Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How vulnerable is Drafting & Design Technology to AI automation?
AI exposure of 40% is a real factor. For South Louisiana Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($390,414) and pessimistic ($356,303) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Is South Louisiana Community College a good choice for Drafting & Design Technology despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Drafting & Design Technology through an apprenticeship instead of South Louisiana Community College?
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 South Louisiana Community College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →