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 gives you a solid financial return for a two-year school. You leave with median debt of about $11,000 and reach median earnings near $46,000 a decade out, which means your debt load stays well below one year of pay. That ratio is the core reason this school works financially.
The strongest payoff sits in the trades and technical fields. The electrical power transmission certificate pays close to $68,000 with only $5,500 in debt, the best cost-to-earnings deal here by a wide margin. The electromechanical maintenance and nursing associate degrees also clear $54,000, though nursing carries $16,700 in debt, the heaviest on this list. These programs feed the manufacturing, utility, and healthcare employers around Eau Claire, so the pay reflects real regional demand.
Criminal justice is the weak spot among the top earners. At about $50,000 it looks fine on paper, but as a certificate it competes with associate degrees that pay more, and public-sector pay in this field has a low ceiling. If you want the strongest return, the electrical and electromechanical tracks beat it.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and none of these earnings numbers apply to you if you drop out with debt and no credential. That is the single biggest financial danger at this school.
The net price tiers are unusual: families under $30,000 pay about $9,600, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $16,000. Aid narrows the gap for lower-income families, so cost tracks income here more than at many schools. This is a good fit if you want a technical or health credential and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree, since none is offered.
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.