Precision Metalworking at Washburn Institute of Technology

Topeka, KS · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

Washburn Institute of Technology's 41% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 490 in Topeka, KS.

Program Analysis

Washburn Institute of Technology's Precision Metalworking graduates start at $39,720/yr — above the $36,869 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 46.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,250 in median debt clears fast against $39,720 in annual earnings.

A #144 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Washburn Institute of Technology in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $39,720 to $42,628 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
58
Score
58
High End
Earnings $39,720/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$431K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
47.2x
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
$9,120
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,250
2.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,628
7% 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 Washburn Institute of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Washburn Institute of Technology?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Washburn Institute of Technology's score of 58/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Washburn Institute of Technology?
Median debt of just $8,250 against $39,720/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metalworking occupations, such as Cnc Operator - Milling and Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Washburn Institute of Technology find jobs?
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 →