Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies at Ulster County Community College

Graduates of the Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies program at Ulster County Community College can expect a steady increase in earnings over time. The median earnings one year after graduation stand at $39,998, rising to $49,855 after five years and reaching $74,872 a decade later. However, when adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equivalent nationally is approximately $37,768.94, reflecting the higher cost of living in New York, where the cost of living index is 1.32 compared to the national average of 1.0.

The program's graduates predominantly enter fields such as Health Care & Social Assistance and Public Administration, each accounting for 27.7% of employment, followed by Professional, Scientific & Technical Services at 15.1%. The estimated break-even point for graduates compared to those with only a high school diploma is approximately 9.8 years, suggesting a moderate return on investment. Overall, while the earnings trajectory is positive, prospective students should consider the implications of the higher cost of living in New York when evaluating their potential financial outcomes.