At $10,712/yr net price, Blackhawk Technical College graduates earn $41,620/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,620/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,712 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,848 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,620/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,620/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,550 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,256/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,120/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,565/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,082/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,926/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,192 | $11,041 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,901 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $45,696 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,942 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,502 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,649 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $36,560 | $9,493 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $36,221 |
The Risk Factor
30.1% of students at Blackhawk Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Blackhawk Technical College delivers solid returns for students who pick the right programs and actually graduate. The school's $10,712 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, but the 30% graduation rate means most students never see any return on their investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $54,192 annually against typical debt of just $11,041. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $45,901 in median earnings. Electrical installation and drafting programs both cross $44,000, making these technical tracks financially viable paths.
The graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk at Blackhawk. Seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs, meaning they carry debt without the credential needed for higher wages. This makes program selection critical since you cannot afford to switch majors multiple times.
Blackhawk works best for students who know exactly what technical field they want to enter and can commit to finishing their program. The low debt levels mean even modest salary increases justify the investment, but only if you graduate. Students unsure about their career direction should consider four-year options with higher completion rates.
With just 36% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and choosing from the higher-earning technical fields where regional demand supports the wage data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackhawk Technical College worth the cost?
Blackhawk Technical College offers reasonable value with low debt ($9,550 median) and a net price of $10,712 per year. However, the 30% graduation rate is concerning and average earnings of $41,620 after 10 years are modest.
What are the highest paying programs at Blackhawk Technical College?
Nursing programs lead with $54,192 average earnings, followed by allied health diagnostics at $45,901 and electrical transmission work at $45,696. These technical programs offer the best return on investment at Blackhawk.
How much debt do Blackhawk Technical College graduates typically have?
Blackhawk graduates carry a median debt of $9,550, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall financial picture despite moderate post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Blackhawk Technical College?
Only 30% of students graduate from Blackhawk Technical College. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should weigh against the school's affordable tuition.