by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 13 U.S. colleges awarded 62 degrees and certificates in 3-D Modeling and Design Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 44% of graduates. College Factual ranks 1 schools in its 2027 Best 3-D Modeling and Design Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $46,481 one year after completing, rising to $60,644 after four years.
Studying 3-D Modeling and Design Technology covers A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills In The Use Of Three-Dimensional (3-D) Computer Technology To Create Technical Illustrations And Models Used In Manufacturing, Design, Production, And Construction. Includes Instruction In 3-D Computer-Aided Design (Cad), 3-D Printing, 3-D Model Design And Construction, And 3-D Scanning.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., 3-d modeling and design technology is a widely-pursued major, with 62 degrees awarded annually. 13 colleges award 3-d modeling and design technology degrees, an average of 5 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 12.
By level, the 62 awards include 10 certificates, 25 associate degrees and 27 master’s degrees.
Women earned 26% of 3-d modeling and design technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (16 of 62). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (44) and Hispanic or Latino (7), and international students earned 2.
College Factual ranks 1 schools in its 2027 Best 3-D Modeling and Design Technology Schools ranking, including 1 for associate degrees. It also ranks 3-d modeling and design technology schools within 1 state. In all, 13 colleges offer 3-d modeling and design technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value 3-D Modeling and Design Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common 3-d modeling and design technology credential is the master’s degree: 27 of the 62 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to 3-d modeling and design technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Design, Engineering and Technology and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a 3-d modeling and design technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 10 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 25 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 27 |
Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to 3-d modeling and design technology, at 40.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 40.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 31.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 15.3% |
| Some college courses | 7.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.4% |
| Master’s degree | 2.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to 3-D Modeling and Design Technology, with an average median salary of $96,397; the strongest outlook belongs to Architectural and Civil Drafters, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman), Drafter, CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter) and AutoCAD Technician.
The occupation related to 3-d modeling and design technology with the most projected jobs is Electrical and Electronics Drafters, at 161,833.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | 161,833 | 12.3% |
| Mechanical Drafters | 127,074 | 12.6% |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
| Drafters, All Other | 32,528 | -1.4% |
3-D Modeling and Design Technology graduates earn a median $46,481 one year after completing their program, $60,644 after four years and $56,760 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,481 |
| 4 years | $60,644 |
| 5 years | $56,760 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to 3-d modeling and design technology is Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $114,777.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Drafters, All Other | $114,777 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $109,781 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
3-D Modeling and Design Technology has 7 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 10,284 degrees a year; the largest are Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General (4,213), CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician (3,206) and Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD (1,734). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
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