At $10,910/yr net price, Fox Valley Technical College graduates earn $45,684/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,684/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,910 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,640 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,684/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,684/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,402 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,559/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,609/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,347/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,816/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,456/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $60,161 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $55,964 | |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $49,136 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,823 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,041 | $12,333 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $47,729 | $9,048 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $45,435 | $6,577 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $44,418 | $8,149 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $42,012 | $10,968 |
The Risk Factor
61.4% of students at Fox Valley Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Fox Valley Technical College delivers solid financial returns with a low net price of $10,910 and manageable debt loads, making it one of Wisconsin's better community college investments. Your earnings potential varies dramatically by program choice, with electromechanical instrumentation graduates earning $60,161 annually compared to the overall median of $45,684.
The highest-paying programs align well with northeastern Wisconsin's manufacturing base. Electromechanical instrumentation, allied health diagnostics, and fire protection all offer strong earning potential relative to the modest investment required. Nursing graduates earn $48,041 with slightly higher debt at $12,333, but still maintain favorable debt-to-income ratios.
Your biggest risk is program selection. While top programs deliver excellent returns, Fox Valley's 61% graduation rate suggests completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no credential. The school works best if you have clear career goals in technical fields where employers value hands-on training over four-year degrees.
Fox Valley makes financial sense for career changers, recent high school graduates interested in skilled trades, and working adults seeking quick entry into stable employment. You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the academic transfer options remain limited.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid reflects the school's already affordable pricing. Merit scholarships exist but competition is limited given the student body size. Your best cost strategy involves completing programs quickly and leveraging the strong local employer relationships for immediate job placement after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fox Valley Technical College worth the cost?
Fox Valley Technical College offers solid value with a low net price of $10,910 annually and median debt of just $10,402. Graduates earn $45,684 after 10 years, making this a financially reasonable choice for technical training.
What are the highest paying programs at Fox Valley Technical College?
Electromechanical Instrumentation leads at $60,161 annually, followed by Allied Health Diagnostic programs at $55,964. Fire Protection and Engineering Technologies also exceed $48,000, offering strong earning potential relative to the school's low cost.
How much debt do Fox Valley Technical College students graduate with?
The median debt is $10,402, which is quite manageable for a technical college. This low debt load combined with decent starting salaries makes Fox Valley Technical College a lower-risk investment than most four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at Fox Valley Technical College?
Fox Valley Technical College has a 61% graduation rate. While not exceptional, this is typical for community and technical colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing programs.