Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $51,938
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $60,771 | $12,000 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,234 | |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,273 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $50,677 | $12,000 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,436 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $47,494 | $10,156 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $47,260 | $12,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,858 | $12,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $44,542 | $18,599 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,240 | $9,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $42,402 | $16,325 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $41,025 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,829 | $5,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $36,668 | $6,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Dakota County Technical College graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $11,000 and earn $51,938 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 21%. Monthly loan payments of $117 represent only 2.7% of typical graduate income. The 95.7% employment rate reflects strong demand for skilled technicians in Minnesota's manufacturing, healthcare, and construction industries. Graduates often work as dental hygienists, automotive technicians, welders, and medical assistants in the Twin Cities metro area. With relatively low debt and solid middle-class earnings in stable career fields, this represents a strong return on investment for students seeking practical job training without the burden of heavy student loans.