At $5,897/yr net price, Gateway Community and Technical College graduates earn $36,147/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,147/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,897 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,588 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,147/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,147/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,711 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,585/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,173/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,028/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,433/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,109/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,415 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,357 | $15,138 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,416 | $11,595 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $30,228 | $12,893 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $25,580 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,378 | $11,675 |
The Risk Factor
49.0% of students at Gateway Community and 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
Gateway Community and Technical College keeps costs low and debt manageable, but the payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick. At under $6,000 a year and roughly $10,700 in median debt, you are not taking on a heavy financial burden here. The problem is the median earnings figure ten years out sits close to $36,000, which barely clears entry-level wages for the region.
The split between programs is stark. Industrial Production Technologies and Registered Nursing both clear $52,000, and industrial production hits over $56,000 without carrying the debt that nursing does. Those two are the reason to come here. Everything below them tells a different story. Business Administration lands around $35,000, and Allied Health Diagnostic pays under $32,000 despite the training involved. If you enroll in one of the lower-earning associate programs, your earnings may not justify even Gateway's modest cost.
The main financial risk here is finishing at all. The graduation rate sits at 49 percent, so there is close to a coin-flip chance you leave with debt and no credential. Nursing also carries the highest debt of any listed program at over $15,000, so weigh that against its strong salary before committing.
Net price climbs sharply with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $4,600 a year. Above $110,000, you pay roughly $11,100 , more than double. For lower-income families, Gateway is genuinely affordable. For higher-income families paying the top tier, the value case rests entirely on landing in nursing or industrial production.
Gateway is a good fit if you want to train for industrial production or nursing without much debt. If you are drawn to business or allied health here, the earnings suggest looking harder at whether the credential pays back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gateway Community and Technical College worth the money?
Gateway Community and Technical College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,897 annually and modest debt levels around $10,711. However, the 49% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, and median earnings of $36,147 ten years after enrollment are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Gateway Community and Technical College?
Industrial production technology and nursing programs at Gateway Community and Technical College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates earning $56,415 and $52,357 respectively. These technical programs offer much better returns than general business or allied health programs at the school.
How much debt do Gateway Community and Technical College graduates have?
Gateway Community and Technical College graduates typically leave with $10,711 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low annual cost of $5,897 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Gateway Community and Technical College?
Gateway Community and Technical College has a 49% graduation rate, meaning about half of students who enroll complete their programs. This relatively low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.