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 gives you a low-cost path with modest but real payoff, and the numbers hinge almost entirely on which program you pick. With debt under $10k and net price near $10k a year, your downside is limited even if things go wrong. The problem is the 30% graduation rate. Most people who start here don't finish, and a credential you never earn is money spent for little return.
The nursing associate program is the clear winner. It pays over $54k, more than $12k above the school's median earnings, and it justifies its higher debt load of about $11k. Allied health diagnostics and the electrical power transmission certificate both clear $45k, and that certificate does it at certificate-level cost, making it one of the best cost-to-earnings deals here. Drafting and medical assisting land in the mid-$44k range. These are the programs that pay off, and they cluster in healthcare and skilled trades tied to Janesville's regional employers.
The risk is specific: enroll in a program outside these top earners and you're closer to the $41,620 median, which for a two-year credential in this region is thin. Combine that with the low completion rate and the gamble is real if you're not committed to finishing a high-earning track.
If your family earns under $30k, you pay around $8,256 a year, the cheapest tier and a genuine bargain for a nursing seat. Oddly, the $75-110k tier pays the most at over $15k, more than families above $110k. If you're aiming for nursing, allied health, or the electrical certificate and you'll finish, this is a strong financial fit. If you're undecided or drawn to lower-earning programs, look harder before committing.
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.