Design Engineering Technologies 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 Design Engineering Technologies 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 Design Engineering Technologies graduates.

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

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design Engineering Technologies, 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 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%
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 →

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 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 Design Engineering Technologies at South Louisiana Community College?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Design Engineering Technologies. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Design Engineering Technologies careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $356,303 in decade earnings vs $390,414 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is South Louisiana Community College a good choice for Design Engineering Technologies 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 Design Engineering Technologies through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Design Engineering Technologies career paths, including Design Drafter, Electromec. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →