At $12,025/yr net price, Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates earn $46,297/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,297/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,025 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,297/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,297/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,432 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,656/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,020/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,577/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,465/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,979/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $67,899 | $5,500 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $58,479 | $13,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,224 | $16,700 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,970 | $13,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $50,022 | $11,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,436 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $47,930 | $11,843 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $44,126 | $9,250 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,185 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
46.3% of students at Chippewa Valley 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
Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers strong returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The $12,025 annual cost creates a manageable debt load that pays off quickly in Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare job markets.
Electrical and power transmission programs offer the best financial outcome, with graduates earning $67,899 while carrying just $5,500 in debt. Electromechanical instrumentation follows closely at $58,479, though with higher debt at $13,500. These technical programs align perfectly with the region's industrial employers and energy infrastructure needs.
Nursing graduates earn $54,224 but face the highest debt burden at $16,700, reflecting the program's longer duration and clinical requirements. Criminal justice offers solid middle-class earnings at $50,022 with reasonable $11,000 debt, though job opportunities may be more limited in rural Wisconsin.
The 46% graduation rate represents a significant financial risk. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without earning a credential, particularly in programs requiring strong math and science foundations. The low 17% financial aid participation rate suggests most students pay close to full cost, making completion even more critical.
This school works best for motivated students seeking practical skills training who can handle technical coursework. Local students benefit most since living at home reduces total costs significantly. Career changers and displaced workers find value in focused programs that lead directly to employment.
Avoid CVTC if you struggle with technical subjects, need extensive support services, or want a broad liberal arts foundation. The modest earnings outcomes cannot justify the costs and completion risks for uncertain students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chippewa Valley Technical College worth the money?
Chippewa Valley Technical College offers decent value with low debt ($11,432 median) and a reasonable net price of $12,025 per year. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $46,297 after 10 years are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Chippewa Valley Technical College?
Electrical and power transmission installation leads at $67,899 average salary, followed by electromechanical technology at $58,479. These technical trades programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates have?
Graduates typically have $11,432 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Chippewa Valley Technical College have a good graduation rate?
Only 46% of students graduate, which is concerning for ROI since you need to complete your program to see career benefits. This means over half of students who start don't finish their degree.