At $19,920/yr net price, Career Technical Institute graduates earn $30,227/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,920 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,227/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,773/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,917 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,818/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,968/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,268/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $19,995 | $9,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $19,455 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $17,067 | $9,500 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Certificate | $16,246 | $7,917 |
The Risk Factor
55.8% of students at Career Technical Institute 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
Career Technical Institute delivers weak financial returns that put graduates at serious economic disadvantage. With median 10-year earnings of just $30,227 against a $19,920 annual price tag, your investment barely pays off even under the best circumstances.
Every major program at CTI underperforms financially. Health and Medical Administrative Services tops the earnings list at $19,995 annually, but that income level struggles to justify the $9,500 debt load. Business Operations and Allied Health programs fare even worse, with graduates earning under $20,000 while carrying similar debt burdens. Hospitality Management graduates face the steepest uphill climb, earning just $16,246 per year.
The 55% graduation rate creates additional risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, making debt without credentials a real possibility. For those who do graduate, the earning potential remains concerning across all fields.
You should consider CTI only if you have exhausted all other training options and need the specific certifications these programs provide. Community colleges in the DC area typically offer similar programs at lower cost with better outcomes. Even then, research local employers carefully to ensure demand exists for these particular credentials.
The 81% financial aid rate suggests most students struggle to afford the full price, but aid packages may not be sufficient given the poor earning outcomes. Before enrolling, calculate whether your expected salary can realistically support both living expenses and loan payments in the expensive DC market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Career Technical Institute worth the cost?
Career Technical Institute's graduates earn $30,227 annually after 10 years, which is low compared to the $19,920 yearly cost. With only a 55.80% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Career Technical Institute?
Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the highest earning potential at $19,995 annually, followed by Business Operations Support at $19,455. All top programs still produce below-average wages for college graduates.
How much debt do Career Technical Institute graduates have?
Graduates typically owe $7,917 in student loans, which is relatively manageable. However, the low earning potential of $30,227 annually means debt payments will consume a significant portion of income.
Does Career Technical Institute have good job placement rates?
While specific job placement data isn't available, the 10-year earnings of $30,227 suggest many graduates struggle to find well-paying positions. The low graduation rate of 55.80% also indicates completion challenges.