Precision Metalworking at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College

Rockford, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 733 students in Rockford, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,807 place Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 20.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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.

With first-year pay of $30,807 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #333 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
45
Score
46
High End
Earnings $30,807/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$353K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
21.1x
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
$16,699
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Precision Metalworking opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Is Precision Metalworking from Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College a future-proof career choice?
For Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can you still earn well with Precision Metalworking from Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →