Drafting & Design Technology at Trine University

Angola, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,013/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #4 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $666K $650K $590K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.6x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 51 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$142,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,320
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,146
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Trine University's Drafting & Design Technology graduates start at $65,013/yr — above the $56,836 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 4.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $65,013 in annual earnings.

With only 9 programs offering Drafting & Design Technology nationally, this is a niche field. Trine University ranks #4 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $65,013 to $81,146 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Trine University

A 85% acceptance rate means Trine University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,344 students in Angola, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Trine University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Trine University's Drafting & Design Technology program score?
This program scores 51/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.
How vulnerable is Drafting & Design Technology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Drafting & Design Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →