Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Ridgewater College
Ranked 1st of 4 certificate (2-4 years) programs in Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians by 5-year earnings.
Salary trajectory
Median earnings vs the national median for Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (certificate (2-4 years)) graduates.
Graduates of Ridgewater College's certificate (2-4 years) program in Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians earn a median $46,924 one year after graduating, rising to $64,402 by year five. Five years out, earnings run 13% above the national median of $56,877 for this field, ranking 1st of 4 reporting programs.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.
Will the degree pay for itself?
Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.
Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).