Home Schools Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Drafting & Design Technology
Engineering Technology · Drafting & Design Technology Rank #1 of 9

Drafting & Design Technologyat Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Graduates earn $65,013/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Drafting & Design Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $650K; scenarios range from $590K to $666K depending on AI disruption.

Angola, IN Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
63 SOLID
63
Optimistic
59
Pessimistic
Earnings
$65,013
1-year post-graduation
ROI
20.2x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$650K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
46% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Your strong earnings potential in this niche field reflects Trine's deep ties to regional manufacturing, engineering, and architectural firms across Indiana and the surrounding states. These non-traditional campuses often cater to individuals seeking to upskill or enter the workforce with highly practical, in-demand technical abilities, leading to rapid employment. Graduates are crucial in translating complex engineering concepts into precise technical drawings and 3D models using advanced CAD and BIM software. You'll find yourself contributing directly to product design, construction projects, or machinery development for local employers. While AI is transforming drafting tasks, your role as a *technician* means focusing on interpreting design intent, problem-solving, and leveraging these new tools rather than just manual drawing. Prioritize mastering cutting-edge software and seeking internships to build a robust portfolio and industry connections.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$590K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score59/100
Earnings Multiple15.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$650K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score63/100
Earnings Multiple17.0x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$666K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score63/100
Earnings Multiple17.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Drafting & Design Technology graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Electrical and electronics drafters
-5.6% 10-yr growth · 1,700 openings/yr
$73,720/yr
High
2
Mechanical drafters
-6.5% 10-yr growth · 3,300 openings/yr
$68,510/yr
High
3
Architectural and civil drafters
+4.1% 10-yr growth · 10,000 openings/yr
$64,280/yr
High
4
Drafters, all other
-6.9% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$62,010/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Drafting & Design Technology

How Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Trine University
IN · Private nonprofit
51
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
4.7x
ROI
Central Michigan University
MI · Public
47
DW Score
$64K
1-yr earn
10.3x
ROI
Top score
University of Central Missouri
MO · Public
60
DW Score
$61K
1-yr earn
17.7x
ROI
Western Michigan University
MI · Public
57
DW Score
$60K
1-yr earn
12.2x
ROI
Pennsylvania College of Technology
PA · Public
43
DW Score
$58K
1-yr earn
7.1x
ROI
Also at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Other top programs at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Drafting & Design Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Drafting & Design Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Drafting & Design Technology at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drafting & Design Technology at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?

At 63/100, Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses's Drafting & Design Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Drafting & Design Technology at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?

The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses one of the best schools for Drafting & Design Technology?

Among 9 Drafting & Design Technology programs, Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.