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 gives you a low-debt, moderate-return outcome with one serious catch: only about a quarter of students finish. That 26% graduation rate is the number that should drive your decision here, because the payoff assumes you actually walk away with a credential.
If you do graduate, the financials work in your favor. Median debt sits around $14,060, and median earnings a decade out land near $45,413. That debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy,you are not borrowing more than a year's pay to get there. For a two-year technical school feeding the Madison-area labor market, that is a reasonable trade, especially in fields like nursing, HVAC, welding, and IT that hire locally and pay steady wages.
The data here does not break out earnings by program, so treat any single major's payoff as unverified. What the school lists as strong outcomes and what actually pays are two different things, and you should ask Madison College for placement and wage data on the specific program you want before enrolling.
The net price tiers are the honest surprise. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $10,400-$10,900 a year,less than higher earners. If your family makes over $110k, you pay about $17,000. Aid narrows the gap for lower incomes but does not erase the cost.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical credential, plan to work in the Madison region, and will finish. It fits you poorly if you are unsure of your path, since the low completion rate means the real risk is paying, borrowing, and leaving without the degree that makes the math work.
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.