Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $65,013 at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses come in 14% above the national median of $56,836 for Drafting & Design Technology programs.
With a 17.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Drafting & Design Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $65,013 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Drafting & Design Technology is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses's #1 ranking should be read in that context.
A 25% earnings increase from $65,013 to $81,146 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.