At $12,261/yr net price, Anoka Technical College graduates earn $47,746/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,746/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,261 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,746/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,746/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,196/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,221/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,603/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,955/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,769/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $52,941 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,996 | $13,500 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $44,384 | $12,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,054 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $42,682 | $7,145 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | $18,500 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $37,748 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $36,848 | $14,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $36,488 | $24,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.6% of students at Anoka Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Anoka Technical College delivers solid financial returns through trade-focused programs that align well with Minnesota's manufacturing and healthcare job markets. The $12,261 annual cost paired with $11,000 median debt creates manageable financial obligations for most graduates.
Precision Metal Working leads earnings potential at $52,941, reflecting strong demand in the Twin Cities manufacturing sector. Allied Health programs follow closely at $49,996, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $13,500. The drafting and electrical programs cluster around $43,000-$46,000 in earnings, providing respectable returns for technical skills training.
The 55% graduation rate signals completion challenges you should consider seriously. Community college dropout rates often reflect academic preparation gaps or life circumstances that derail studies. Factor this risk into your decision, especially if you're balancing work and family responsibilities.
You're a good financial fit here if you want hands-on technical training without four-year degree debt. The school works particularly well for career changers seeking marketable skills quickly, or recent high school graduates who prefer direct job preparation over academic coursework.
Skip Anoka Technical if you're uncertain about your program choice or lack strong motivation to complete coursework. The relatively low financial aid percentage of 33% means you'll likely pay most costs out-of-pocket or through loans. Minnesota residents get the best deal through state funding that keeps tuition reasonable.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program completion. The debt remains even if you don't graduate, but the earning potential disappears. Choose your program based on genuine interest and local job availability rather than just starting salary figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anoka Technical College worth the cost?
Anoka Technical College offers decent value with a net price of $12,261 annually and median debt of just $11,000. However, the 10-year earnings average of $47,746 is modest, and the 55.6% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Anoka Technical College?
Precision Metal Working leads with $52,941 in 10-year earnings, followed by Allied Health programs at $49,996. These programs justify the cost better than lower-earning options like electrical technician programs that average $43,054.
How much debt do Anoka Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With average earnings around $47,746, most graduates can handle this debt load without major financial stress.
Does Anoka Technical College have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 55.6% graduation rate suggests completion challenges, but graduates in top programs like precision metal working and allied health see solid earning potential. Success depends heavily on choosing the right program and finishing it.