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Drafting & Design Technology at Utah Valley University

Orem, UT · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

one of the larger campuses at 27,481 students in Orem, UT.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Utah Valley University's Drafting & Design Technology program earn $55,893/yr in their first year — 33% above the $42,040 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 55.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Ranked #12 out of 45 programs, Utah Valley University's Drafting & Design Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $55,893 to $70,247 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Drafting & Design Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

TradeSchoolOutlook Score

Low End

Score

High End

Earnings $55,893/yr (33% vs median)

AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)

Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings

$733K

5.9% annual growth

Earnings Multiple (In-State)

58.4x

10-year earnings ÷ tuition

Viable Career Paths

4 of 4

Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)

$12,540

Out-of-state: $35,660

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$70,247

26% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Drafting & Design Technology 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%

Electrical and electronics drafters

$73,720

-5.6% growth 43% AI-proof

Mechanical drafters

$68,510

-6.5% growth 50% AI-proof

Architectural and civil drafters

$64,280

+4.1% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Drafting & Design Technology Career Guide

Explore what Drafting & Design Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 45 programs nationwide.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Utah Valley University

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Utah Valley University's Drafting & Design Technology program score?

A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Drafting & Design Technology field.

How vulnerable is Drafting & Design Technology to AI automation?

AI exposure of 40% is a real factor. For Utah Valley University specifically, the gap between optimistic ($732,605) and pessimistic ($584,764) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.

Are there apprenticeship options for Drafting & Design Technology?

If Utah Valley University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Drafting & Design Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.

Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →