At $12,392/yr net price, Madison Area Technical College graduates earn $45,413/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,413/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,392 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,413/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,413/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,060 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,392/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,928/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,608/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,479/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,037/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $48,745 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $44,189 | $9,500 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $36,134 | $12,120 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $28,960 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $28,598 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,121 | $12,750 |
The Risk Factor
26.3% of students at Madison Area Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Madison Area Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning a median of $45,413 annually against modest debt loads. Your net price of $12,392 per year positions this school as an affordable pathway to middle-class earnings in Wisconsin's job market.
Practical nursing programs offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $48,745 annually. Precision metal working also pays well at $44,189 with just $9,500 in typical debt. Vehicle maintenance graduates face a tougher financial picture, earning $28,598 while carrying similar debt loads. Design and applied arts falls in the middle at $36,134 but requires higher borrowing of $12,120.
The 26% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of leaving without credentials while still owing money. Only 19% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for struggling families.
This school works best for you if you need specific technical training for Madison-area employers and can complete programs quickly. The combination of low costs and decent earnings makes financial sense for career changers and high school graduates seeking immediate workforce entry. Skip Madison Tech if you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, as the low completion rates suggest many students fail to finish what they start.
Focus on healthcare and skilled trades programs where job demand remains strong in Wisconsin. Avoid programs with weak earnings relative to debt, and plan your finances assuming you might need extra time to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison Area Technical College worth the money?
Madison Area Technical College offers decent value for career-focused programs, with graduates earning $45,413 annually against median debt of just $14,060. However, the 26% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Madison Area Technical College?
Practical nursing leads with $48,745 average earnings, followed by precision metal working at $44,189. These technical programs offer solid returns on the relatively low cost of attendance.
How much debt do Madison Area Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $14,060, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With average earnings of $45,413, most graduates can handle this debt load reasonably well.
What is the graduation rate at Madison Area Technical College?
Only 26% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means many students pay for courses without earning a credential, making the investment risky despite the low cost.