Compare 5 Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $64,780.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD tells a different story. Across 5 programs, earnings range from $47,517 to $75,195—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Trine University's Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD program leads with graduates earning $75,195, closely followed by Western Michigan University at $74,805. The $27K gap between top and bottom programs proves that choosing the right program matters more than choosing the most prestigious school name.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Trine University graduates borrow $25,000 and face just a 6.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, graduates can pay off their student loans with about 4 months of salary.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Trine UniversityPrivate | $75,195 | 51 | $25,000 | Excellent | $32,897 | Manageable |
| #2 | $74,805 | 31 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $63,862 | 27 | $27,000 | Good | $23,103 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $62,523 | 18 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $47,517 | 25 | $20,000 | Good | $17,205 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
