About Lake Area Technical College
Students pay an average net price of $14,826 annually, while tuition stays flat at $6,718 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Graduates earn a median of $45,473 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $12,000 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $127, and 71% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The employment rate hits an impressive 97.4%, reflecting strong regional demand for technical skills.
The student body skews male at 54%, typical for technical colleges with heavy emphasis on trades and manufacturing. About 82% of students come from South Dakota, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized instruction in labs and workshops. Students graduate in two years ready for immediate employment, often staying in the region to fill critical workforce gaps.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,473
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Associate | $66,915 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Ground Transportation. | Associate | $45,852 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $40,821 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,856 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $37,291 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,088 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,560 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $35,416 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $33,993 |
Campus Life
The 97.4% employment rate reflects the school's no-nonsense approach to career preparation. Students spend weekdays in labs learning welding, nursing, or diesel technology rather than attending lectures in large halls. With 54% male enrollment, the campus has a practical, blue-collar feel that matches the surrounding agricultural community. Weekend life revolves around nearby Lake Kampeska for fishing and boating, or students head to Sioux Falls for entertainment. The $12,000 median debt load means graduates enter the workforce without crushing loan payments, earning a solid $45,473 within ten years of graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 3°–22°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 70.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -741.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 54.2%
- Women
- 45.9%
- White
- 90.6%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 2.6%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 82.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.1%
Location
- Address
- Watertown, South Dakota 57201-0730
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,473
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,330
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lake Area Technical College?
Lake Area Technical College accepts students based on program capacity rather than traditional admissions criteria. The school focuses on hands-on technical training with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. Founded in 1965, it has built a reputation for preparing students for immediate entry into skilled trades and technical careers.
How much does Lake Area Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,826 after aid, with tuition set at $6,718 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,281 net price. Graduates typically leave with only $12,000 in debt, making monthly loan payments of $127.
What academic programs is Lake Area Technical College known for?
The college specializes in technical and vocational programs that lead directly to employment in high-demand fields. With 1,710 students enrolled, it maintains a hands-on learning environment focused on practical skills. The school operates on a semester calendar system and emphasizes industry-relevant training.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Lake Area Technical College?
Graduates achieve an impressive 97.4% employment rate, reflecting strong industry demand for their technical skills. The median earnings reach $45,473 ten years after graduation, with graduates earning $42,193 just one year out. The 63.90% six-year graduation rate demonstrates the school's focus on completing programs efficiently.
Where is Lake Area Technical College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Watertown, South Dakota, a town-remote setting that creates a close-knit community atmosphere. With 54.15% men and 45.85% women, the student body reflects the technical fields the college serves. About 82% of students come from South Dakota, creating strong regional connections.
Does Lake Area Technical College offer good financial aid options?
Only 26.05% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the relatively low tuition without extensive borrowing. The school provides institutional grants averaging $4,610 to 24.62% of students. With a 71.24% loan repayment rate, graduates typically manage their debt successfully in their technical careers.
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