Design Engineering Technologies at Texas State Technical College
with a mid-sized student body of 9,153 in Waco, TX.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $43,742/yr, roughly in line with the $42,040 national median for Design Engineering Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 34.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 10% 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.
With first-year pay of $43,742 far exceeding the $12,650 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #29 ranking among 45 Design Engineering Technologies programs places Texas State Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $43,742 to $49,782 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
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 Texas State Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.