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 gives you a low-cost path with modest but real payoff, as long as you pick the right program. At under $9,000 a year and median debt around $12,000, you graduate owing less than a used car. The median earnings ten years out sit near $40,000, which is fine for a two-year credential but nothing that clears you into comfort on its own.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here. It pays close to $58,000 and carries the debt that comes with clinical training, but the earnings gap over that debt is wide enough to justify it. Allied health programs land in the mid-$40,000s to low-$50,000s and pay off cleanly. Computer Systems Networking is the one to watch: it pays about $42,700 but saddles you with the highest debt on the list at over $18,000, so your margin is thinner than nursing for a lower ceiling.
The main risk is the 46.6% graduation rate. Less than half of you finish, and if you drop out you still owe whatever you borrowed with no credential to show for it. The low sticker price only protects you if you complete.
Net price climbs sharply with income. Under $30,000, you pay about $6,800. over $110,000, you pay more than double that at $14,400. If your family earns under $48,000, the price stays low enough that almost any completed program clears its cost. Above $75,000, you're paying real money, so a lower-earning certificate makes less sense.
This is a good financial fit if you're headed into nursing or allied health and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you want a career the top programs here don't cover, since general credentials at $40,000 give you little cushion.
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.