At $10,925/yr net price, Hennepin Technical College graduates earn $49,460/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,460/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,925 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,460/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,460/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,433 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,700/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,880/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,958/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,021/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,524/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $62,012 | $14,751 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $58,221 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $51,273 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $50,856 | |
| Engineering-Related Technologies. | Associate | $49,827 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,683 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $49,136 | $5,329 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $48,628 | $17,213 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,432 | $15,350 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $47,260 |
The Risk Factor
44.2% of students at Hennepin 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
Hennepin Technical College gives you a low-cost path into skilled trades, and the numbers back that up. You borrow a median of $11,433 and pay roughly $11,000 a year, while median earnings ten years out land near $49,460. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the kind of math that works, especially since the school leans hard into trades where wages hold up in the Twin Cities market.
The HVAC associate degree is the clear winner here, paying about $62,000 a year. Precision Metal Working follows close behind at over $58,000. These are hands-on fields with steady regional demand, and the earnings reflect that. Notice the split within HVAC: the associate degree pays roughly $11,000 more per year than the certificate version, so finishing the full associate is worth the extra time. The certificate programs still clear $50,000, which is solid for a shorter credential.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students graduate, so the good earnings numbers only apply if you actually finish. Start a program you won't complete and you carry debt with no credential to show for it. The trades listed here also demand physical work and specific interest , these are not general-purpose degrees, and there's no bachelor-level data here to fall back on.
This school fits you if you want a trade, plan to finish, and want to keep debt low. If you're under $48k in family income, you pay under $9,000 a year, making the return especially strong. Above $110k, you pay closer to $15,500, still reasonable for the earnings. If you're aiming at a four-year professional career, look elsewhere , this is a trades school, and its value comes from that focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hennepin Technical College worth the cost?
Hennepin Technical College offers decent value for students who complete their programs, with graduates earning $49,460 annually against $11,433 in median debt. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Hennepin Technical College?
HVAC programs at Hennepin Technical College lead to the highest earnings at around $62,000 annually, followed by precision metalworking at $58,221. These skilled trades programs offer strong job market prospects and pay well above the school's average graduate earnings.
How much debt do Hennepin Technical College graduates have?
Hennepin Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $11,433, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The relatively low debt load makes the programs financially viable for most completers, especially in high-paying trades.
What is the graduation rate at Hennepin Technical College?
Hennepin Technical College has a 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering the school's value.