Best Schools for Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a median of $51,575 within two years of graduation, ranking #70 out of 292 tracked majors — 45% above the median across all fields. There are 11 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 301 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Eastern Michigan University graduates earn $69,338 while Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $35,810 — a $33,528 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is moderate: Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates see an average 11% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

11
Schools
$51,575
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#70
of 292 Majors
301
Graduates

Public vs Private: Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Public (6 schools)
$50,607
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (1 schools)
$64,706
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $14,099 more in early earnings on average for Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians by State

Top Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
E

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr: $64,898
Grads: 24
Acceptance: 81.3%
#2
T

Trine University

Angola, IN · Private

$64,706
2yr Earnings
1yr: $58,625
Grads: 78
Acceptance: 84.7%
#3
W

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public

$60,771
2yr Earnings
1yr: $68,647
Grads: 33
Acceptance: 84.7%
#4
W

Weber State University

Ogden, UT ·

$58,673
2yr Earnings
1yr: $50,966
Grads: 19
Acceptance: N/A
#5
U

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO · Public

$54,154
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,266
Grads: 46
Acceptance: 68.6%
#6
T

The Art Institute of Houston

Houston, TX ·

$46,769
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,146
Grads: 16
Acceptance: N/A
#7
T

The Art Institute of Austin

Bastrop, TX ·

$46,769
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,146
Grads: 16
Acceptance: N/A
#8
T

The Art Institute of San Antonio

San Antonio, TX ·

$46,769
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,146
Grads: 16
Acceptance: N/A
#9
E

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$45,277
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.1%
#10
M

Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr: $43,114
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 86.2%
#11
I

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public

$35,810
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,720
Grads: 27
Acceptance: 81.4%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
Eastern Michigan University ranks #1 for Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians with median graduate earnings of $69,338 within two years. There are 11 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn an average of $51,575 within two years of graduation. This is 45% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $35,810 to $69,338 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians program?
The average acceptance rate across Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs is 82.4%. The most selective program is at University of Central Missouri with a 68.6% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
Private Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs average $64,706 in early earnings vs $50,607 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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