AutoCAD and drafting courses in Wisconsin
22 CAD and drafting programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free
13 schools offer these drafting programs, and Wisconsin has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.
Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to turn the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most complete an associate degree in drafting at a community college or technical school, about two years full time, while some earn a certificate or diploma that usually takes less time; certification isn't required.1
In Wisconsin, 12 of the 22 programs take students without a high school diploma, 9 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 1 asks for earlier courses first.
By kind, the 22 programs here are drafting and design (associate degree, 8 programs), drafting and design certificate or diploma (6 programs), architectural drafting (associate degree, 3 programs), drafting and design (level not stated, 2 programs), and 3 more of 2 other kinds.
See the 22 programsHow much do CAD and drafting courses cost in Wisconsin?
- Two-year degrees (11 programs)
- $9,327 to $10,517most of them, usually 64 weeks long
- Other drafting programs (9 programs)
- $2,933 to $4,273most of them, usually 27 to 32 weeks long
What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.
In the typical program
- Finished the program
- 61%
- Working 6 months later
- 77%
- Earned a year, estimated
- about $43,700
- Length
- 32 to 64 weeks
Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Wisconsin may also offer CAD and drafting courses. How these figures are made
All 22 CAD and drafting programs in Wisconsin approved for WIOA funding
Filters
22 programs
Architectural Technology
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$27,200Price if you pay yourself$9,152Program website, Architectural Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeMore details about Architectural Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Finished
- 14%
- Working at 6 months
- 71%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,797
- Length
- 64 weeks, 19 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $5,010
- Students counted
- 220
- Earned a year, estimated
- $27,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,152
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$52,100Price if you pay yourself$9,691Program website, Mechanical Engineering Technology at Waukesha County Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Engineering Technology at Waukesha County Technical College
- Finished
- 44%
- Working at 6 months
- 78%
- Earned in a quarter
- $13,025
- Length
- 64 weeks, 30 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 204
- Earned a year, estimated
- $52,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,691
Architectural Drafting/Construction Technology
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$39,000Price if you pay yourself$8,810Program website, Architectural Drafting/Construction Technology at Waukesha County Technical CollegeMore details about Architectural Drafting/Construction Technology at Waukesha County Technical College
- Finished
- 45%
- Working at 6 months
- 75%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,754
- Length
- 64 weeks, 30 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 197
- Earned a year, estimated
- $39,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $8,810
Mechanical Design Technology
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$44,200Price if you pay yourself$9,520Program website, Mechanical Design Technology at Fox Valley Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Fox Valley Technical College
- Finished
- 61%
- Working at 6 months
- 83%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,051
- Length
- Not reported
- Cost of supplies
- $1,731
- Students counted
- 196
- Earned a year, estimated
- $44,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,520
Mechanical Design Technology
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$44,200Price if you pay yourself$10,737Program website, Mechanical Design Technology at Gateway Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Gateway Technical College
- Finished
- 34%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,059
- Length
- 70 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 180
- Earned a year, estimated
- $44,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $10,737
Architectural Technology
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$43,300Price if you pay yourself$10,455Program website, Architectural Technology at Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeMore details about Architectural Technology at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Finished
- 56%
- Working at 6 months
- 77%
- Earned in a quarter
- $10,822
- Length
- 48 weeks, 14 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,209
- Students counted
- 167
- Earned a year, estimated
- $43,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $10,455
Mechanical Design Technology
Madison Area Technical College
Madison
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$52,700Price if you pay yourself$10,7413 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, Mechanical Design Technology at Madison Area Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Madison Area Technical College
- Finished
- 56%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $13,174
- Length
- 64 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 164
- Earned a year, estimated
- $52,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $10,741
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Mechanical Design Technology
Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$51,800Price if you pay yourself$9,503Program website, Mechanical Design Technology at Moraine Park Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Moraine Park Technical College
- Finished
- 48%
- Working at 6 months
- 88%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,942
- Length
- Not reported
- Cost of supplies
- $1,061
- Students counted
- 120
- Earned a year, estimated
- $51,800
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,503
Mechanical Design
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$46,300Price if you pay yourself$10,5786 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Mechanical Design at Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design at Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Finished
- 61%
- Working at 6 months
- 78%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,569
- Length
- 64 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,658
- Students counted
- 117
- Earned a year, estimated
- $46,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $10,578
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 6
Mechanical CAD Drafting
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$31,600Price if you pay yourself$4,273Program website, Mechanical CAD Drafting at Fox Valley Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical CAD Drafting at Fox Valley Technical College
- Finished
- 80%
- Working at 6 months
- 81%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,890
- Length
- Not reported
- Cost of supplies
- $589
- Students counted
- 108
- Earned a year, estimated
- $31,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $4,273
Mechanical Design Technology
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$49,100Price if you pay yourself$9,103Program website, Mechanical Design Technology at Waukesha County Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Waukesha County Technical College
- Finished
- 41%
- Working at 6 months
- 88%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,263
- Length
- 64 weeks, 30 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 105
- Earned a year, estimated
- $49,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,103
Mechanical Design Technology
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$45,600Price if you pay yourself$10,906Program website, Mechanical Design Technology at Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Finished
- 69%
- Working at 6 months
- 77%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,395
- Length
- 90 weeks, 17 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,675
- Students counted
- 103
- Earned a year, estimated
- $45,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $10,906
Applied Mechanical CAD Technician
Northcentral Technical College
Wausau
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$45,200Price if you pay yourself$3,688More details about Applied Mechanical CAD Technician at Northcentral Technical College
- Finished
- 79%
- Working at 6 months
- 81%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,300
- Length
- 32 weeks, 11 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 80
- Earned a year, estimated
- $45,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $3,688
Design and Drafting Technology
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$28,000Price if you pay yourself$2,933Program website, Design and Drafting Technology at Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeMore details about Design and Drafting Technology at Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Finished
- 83%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,000
- Length
- 32 weeks, 27 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $252
- Students counted
- 76
- Earned a year, estimated
- $28,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,933
Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology
Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$44,600Price if you pay yourself$10,116Program website, Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology at Lakeshore Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology at Lakeshore Technical College
- Finished
- 63%
- Working at 6 months
- 89%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,160
- Length
- Not reported
- Cost of supplies
- $497
- Students counted
- 76
- Earned a year, estimated
- $44,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $10,116
Mechanical Design Technology
Western Technical College
La Crosse
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$40,500Price if you pay yourself$9,849Program website, Mechanical Design Technology at Western Technical CollegeMore details about Mechanical Design Technology at Western Technical College
- Finished
- 53%
- Working at 6 months
- 67%
- Earned in a quarter
- $10,127
- Length
- 60 weeks, 23 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 70
- Earned a year, estimated
- $40,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,849
Architectural Technician
Northcentral Technical College
Wausau
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$16,300Price if you pay yourself$3,688More details about Architectural Technician at Northcentral Technical College
- Finished
- 89%
- Working at 6 months
- 72%
- Earned in a quarter
- $4,067
- Length
- 32 weeks, 11 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 66
- Earned a year, estimated
- $16,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $3,688
Architectural Design Software
Northcentral Technical College
Wausau
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$43,100Price if you pay yourself$1,509More details about Architectural Design Software at Northcentral Technical College
- Finished
- 89%
- Working at 6 months
- 76%
- Earned in a quarter
- $10,766
- Length
- 16 weeks, 10 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 55
- Earned a year, estimated
- $43,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,509
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician
Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$28,200Price if you pay yourself$2,921Program website, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician at Lakeshore Technical CollegeMore details about Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician at Lakeshore Technical College
- Finished
- 63%
- Working at 6 months
- 100%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,048
- Length
- Not reported
- Cost of supplies
- $367
- Students counted
- 25
- Earned a year, estimated
- $28,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,921
CAD (Computer Aided Design) Technician
Western Technical College
La Crosse
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$21,000Price if you pay yourself$5,089Program website, CAD (Computer Aided Design) Technician at Western Technical CollegeMore details about CAD (Computer Aided Design) Technician at Western Technical College
- Finished
- 64%
- Working at 6 months
- 67%
- Earned in a quarter
- $5,260
- Length
- 30 weeks, 24 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 20
- Earned a year, estimated
- $21,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,089
AutoCAD Certification Training (Voucher Included)
University of Wisconsin
Based in Whitewater, WI
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,995Program website, AutoCAD Certification Training (Voucher Included) at University of WisconsinMore details about AutoCAD Certification Training (Voucher Included) at University of Wisconsin
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 24 weeks, 6 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,995
Drafting Technician
Northwood Technical College
Rice Lake
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$4,301Program website, Drafting Technician at Northwood Technical CollegeMore details about Drafting Technician at Northwood Technical College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 32 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $4,301
No programs match these filters.
How to pay for CAD and drafting courses in Wisconsin
WIOA funding can pay for CAD and drafting courses in Wisconsin
Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?
Financial aid and grants for CAD and drafting courses
Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67
GI Bill for CAD and drafting courses
Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8
The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.
Quick facts: AutoCAD and drafting courses in Wisconsin
- programs with a price cost under $3,000
- 4 of 22
- lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
- 28th of 30
- other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
- 10 of 12
- CAD and drafting programs here, against the typical state's 7
- 22 vs 7
State comparisons use the same figures as the CAD and drafting courses by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).
AutoCAD and drafting courses in Milwaukee, Wausau, Appleton and other Wisconsin cities
Choosing an area filters the program list above. 6 more programs are in 5 other areas and 1 online.
Other training in Wisconsin
How CAD and drafting courses compare with the rest of skilled trades: Trade school programs in Wisconsin
- CDL training35 programs
- CNA classes36 programs
- Medical assistant training33 programs
- Phlebotomy training18 programs
- Welding classes53 programs
- HVAC training25 programs
- Medical billing and coding training28 programs
- LPN programs9 programs
- EMT classes53 programs
- Electrician training17 programs
- Dental assistant programs18 programs
- Auto mechanic classes43 programs
- Pharmacy technician training12 programs
- Plumbing school9 programs
- CNC machinist training40 programs
- Carpentry classes17 programs
- Heavy equipment operator training4 programs
- Diesel mechanic training20 programs
- Cybersecurity training21 programs
- IT training70 programs
- Cosmetology school13 programs
- Barber school6 programs
- Esthetician school7 programs
- Nail tech school9 programs
- EKG technician programs2 programs
- Massage therapy school7 programs
- Paralegal programs16 programs
- Fire academy14 programs
- Police academy13 programs
- Surgical tech programs14 programs
- Radiology tech programs8 programs
- Culinary school34 programs
- Home health aide training20 programs
- PTA programs5 programs
- Medical administrative assistant training26 programs
- Human resources training36 programs
- Medication aide training2 programs
- Industrial maintenance technician training63 programs
- Early childhood education programs51 programs
- Aircraft mechanic school2 programs
- Supply chain and logistics training27 programs
- Hospitality management programs20 programs
- Addiction counselor training15 programs
- Community health worker training3 programs
- Coding and software development courses30 programs
- Lineman school8 programs
- Sterile processing technician training2 programs
- Sonography school4 programs
- Data analytics courses12 programs
- Administrative assistant training53 programs
- Respiratory therapy programs7 programs
- Medical lab technician programs13 programs
- Digital marketing courses23 programs
- Web and graphic design courses29 programs
- Health information technology programs15 programs
- Vet tech programs9 programs
- Real estate school6 programs
- Security guard training3 programs
- OTA programs4 programs
- Crane operator training4 programs
- Interpreter and translator training2 programs
- Forklift certification1 program
- Personal trainer certification2 programs
- Healthcare administration programs8 programs
- Customer service training11 programs
- Flight school2 programs
- Cardiovascular technology programs1 program
- Human services programs10 programs
- Manufacturing technician training33 programs
- Electronics technician training19 programs
- Business administration programs79 programs
- Criminal justice programs22 programs
- Teacher assistant certification17 programs
- Auto body repair classes10 programs
- Solar and wind technician training6 programs
- Water treatment operator training2 programs
- OSHA safety training7 programs
- Dialysis technician training1 program
- Optician training3 programs
- Masonry training3 programs
- Insurance license courses1 program
- Construction training programs12 programs
- Dental hygiene programs7 programs
- Accounting and bookkeeping classes51 programs
- RN programs20 programs
- Project management certification21 programs
Where the Wisconsin drafting program numbers come from
Which Wisconsin drafting programs are on this list?
These are the drafting programs Wisconsin approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Wisconsin offers.
How the prices and results of Wisconsin drafting programs are measured
Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.
Sources for the facts about CAD and drafting courses in Wisconsin
Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Drafters
- US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
- US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
- Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
- US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
- US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List