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 gives you a solid financial return for a two-year school, mostly because your debt stays low. You leave owing around a year's worth of the net price, and the median graduate earns close to $48,000 a decade out. That gap between what you borrow and what you earn is where the payoff lives.
The trades and technical programs here carry the value. Precision Metal Working leads the pack near $53,000, and it comes with no listed debt, which makes it one of the cleanest bets on campus. Drafting/Design and Electrical Engineering Technologies land in the mid-$40,000s. Allied Health pays well too, but you take on more debt to get there, so the net gain is smaller than the sticker earnings suggest. The Electrical Power Transmission certificate is worth a look if you want to skip the associate degree and still clear $44,000.
The main risk is completion. A 55.6% graduation rate means a meaningful share of you leaves without the credential, and these earnings only apply if you finish. A partial run through a technical program with debt but no degree is the worst outcome here.
The net price barely moves as income rises, which changes who this school fits. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay close to $10,200 a year, and the return is strong. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay about $15,800 with no discount, so weigh whether the same trade credential is cheaper elsewhere.
This school fits you if you want a hands-on technical or trade career in the Twin Cities metro and plan to finish. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree path or a field not covered by the technical programs listed here, since the earnings data doesn't support those routes.
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.