At $8,667/yr net price, Gateway Technical College graduates earn $40,264/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,264/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,667 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,264/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,264/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,165 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,774/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,947/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,632/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,607/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,379/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,705 | $14,625 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $53,358 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,468 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $42,712 | $18,375 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,896 | $9,439 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,568 | $13,292 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | $14,492 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $33,993 | $12,416 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,925 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
46.6% of students at Gateway 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 Technical College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, with nursing and criminal justice graduates earning over $57,000 annually against relatively low debt loads. The $8,667 annual net price makes this one of the more affordable paths to middle-class earnings in the Kenosha region.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially. You'll graduate with median debt of just $14,625 while earning $57,705 your first decade out. Criminal justice offers similar earnings potential with even lower typical debt. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment roles paying $53,358 annually.
The 46% graduation rate signals a real risk that you won't complete your program. This matters more at Gateway than four-year schools because you're investing time specifically for job training. Computer networking graduates face higher debt at $18,375 for earnings of $42,712, making the return less compelling than other technical programs here.
Gateway works best if you're targeting healthcare or criminal justice careers and want to minimize debt while gaining employable skills. The low percentage of students receiving aid (22%) suggests either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for much federal aid.
Skip Gateway if you're unsure about your career direction or considering programs outside the top-earning tracks. The completion rate means you need clear motivation to finish. For healthcare-focused students in southeastern Wisconsin, however, the combination of low costs and strong job placement in a stable regional market makes Gateway a financially sound choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gateway Technical College worth the money?
Gateway Technical College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,667 per year and modest debt levels around $12,165. However, the 47% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $40,264 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Gateway Technical College?
Nursing programs at Gateway Technical College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates earning around $57,705 annually. Criminal justice and allied health programs also perform well, while networking and telecommunications graduates earn about $42,712.
How much debt do Gateway Technical College graduates have?
Gateway Technical College graduates leave with a median debt of $12,165, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low annual cost of $8,667 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does Gateway Technical College have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at Gateway Technical College vary significantly by program. Nursing and healthcare graduates see strong employment prospects and decent pay, but the overall graduation rate of 47% indicates many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.