Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,473
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Associate | $66,915 | $12,000 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | $12,000 |
| Ground Transportation. | Associate | $45,852 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $40,821 | $12,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,856 | $9,500 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $37,291 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,088 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,560 | $11,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $33,993 | $12,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $31,314 | $5,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Associate | $29,250 | $12,000 |
| Marketing. | Associate | $26,519 | $12,000 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $23,069 | $11,273 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $21,508 | $12,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Lake Area Technical College graduates enter the workforce with a 97.4% employment rate and manageable debt loads. The typical graduate owes $12,000 and earns $45,473 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 26%. Monthly loan payments of $127 represent only 3.6% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college specializes in high-demand technical fields like diesel technology, nursing, and precision machining that offer stable career paths in South Dakota's agricultural and manufacturing economy. Graduates typically find work quickly in healthcare systems, transportation companies, and manufacturing plants across the upper Midwest. This represents a strong return on investment for technical education.