At $14,826/yr net price, Lake Area Technical College graduates earn $45,473/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,473/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,826 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,473/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,473/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,281/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,773/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,034/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,925/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,310/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
63.9% of students at Lake Area Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lake Area Technical College delivers strong financial returns for students pursuing skilled trades, with most graduates earning solid middle-class wages while carrying minimal debt loads.
Construction Engineering Technologies stands out as the financial winner, producing graduates who earn $66,915 annually with just $12,000 in debt. Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies also pays off well at $52,107 yearly. These technical programs align perfectly with South Dakota's energy and construction sectors, where skilled technicians command premium wages.
The school's biggest financial advantage is its low debt burden. At $12,000 median debt across most programs, you'll face monthly payments under $150, making your degree affordable even if you start at entry-level wages. Compare this to four-year graduates who often carry $30,000-plus in loans.
Practical Nursing presents a mixed picture. While $37,856 starting salaries lag behind the technical trades, healthcare jobs offer stability and growth potential in rural South Dakota. The lower debt load of $9,500 for nursing students helps offset the modest starting pay.
Your biggest risk is the 64% graduation rate. More than one-third of students leave without completing their programs, wasting time and money. The school works best for self-motivated students who can handle hands-on technical coursework without extensive academic support.
Lake Area Technical makes financial sense if you want to enter the workforce quickly with marketable skills and minimal debt. Skip it if you need extensive remedial education or prefer theoretical learning over practical training. The technical programs offer your best return, while general studies or lower-paying certificates may not justify even the modest costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Area Technical College worth the money?
Lake Area Technical College offers solid value with a low net price of $14,826 and median debt of only $12,000. Graduates earn $45,473 after 10 years, which provides reasonable returns given the low cost and debt burden.
What are the highest paying programs at Lake Area Technical College?
Construction Engineering Technologies leads with $66,915 in earnings, followed by Electromechanical Instrumentation at $52,107. These technical programs significantly outperform the school average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Lake Area Technical College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to most colleges. This low debt load makes even the lower-paying programs like nursing ($37,856) financially viable.
What is the graduation rate at Lake Area Technical College?
The graduation rate is 63.9%, meaning about one in three students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for longer programs.