Design Engineering Technologies at Tidewater Community College
enrolling 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
At $41,114/yr, Design Engineering Technologies graduates from Tidewater Community College land near the $42,040 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 40.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design Engineering Technologies programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Design Engineering Technologies'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.
Ranked #28 of 45 Design Engineering Technologies programs, Tidewater Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Design Engineering Technologies offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 Tidewater Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.