Design Engineering Technologies at St Cloud Technical and Community College
a compact campus enrolling 2,808 students in Saint Cloud, MN.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $45,565/yr, edging above the $42,040 national average for Design Engineering Technologies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
With a 48.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 2% 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.
At $8,008 in median debt against $45,565 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #21 ranking among 45 Design Engineering Technologies programs places St Cloud Technical and Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $45,565 to $48,228 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
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