At $10,724/yr net price, Mid-State Technical College graduates earn $42,253/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,253/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,724 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,253/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,253/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,252/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,115/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,502/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,269/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $37,671 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $37,671 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $35,594 | $9,530 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,708 | $8,449 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,563 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,673 | $10,375 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,658 | $6,500 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,128 | $5,250 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $15,922 | $4,500 |
The Risk Factor
54.1% of students at Mid-State Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Mid-State Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with low debt loads and reasonable earnings potential in its strongest programs. Your median debt of $8,000 is manageable compared to four-year alternatives, and the 54% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs.
Computer programming offers the best earning potential at $38,289 annually, followed closely by precision metalworking and nursing at $37,671. These technical programs align well with Wisconsin's manufacturing economy and healthcare needs. Nursing comes with slightly higher debt at $9,000, but the stable job market makes this a reasonable trade-off. Criminal justice shows weaker returns at $32,708 with debt of $8,449, making it a riskier choice financially.
The biggest financial risk is the 46% of students who don't graduate. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, your chances of completing programs and seeing returns diminish significantly. The school works best for motivated students who know they want hands-on technical training rather than academic exploration.
With only 24% of students receiving financial aid, Mid-State appears to serve many working adults and career changers who pay out of pocket. The low net price of $10,724 makes this feasible for many Wisconsin residents. If you're seeking quick entry into manufacturing, healthcare, or IT roles without accumulating massive debt, Mid-State offers a practical path. Avoid this school if you want transferable credits toward a bachelor's degree or prefer theoretical over applied learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mid-State Technical College worth the money?
Mid-State Technical College offers decent value with a net price of $10,724 and median debt of only $8,000. However, the 54% graduation rate and $42,253 average earnings after 10 years mean many students don't finish or earn significantly more than high school graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Mid-State Technical College?
Computer Programming leads with $38,289 in average earnings, followed by Precision Metal Working and Nursing at $37,671. Criminal Justice pays the least at $32,708, making it a weaker financial choice despite being popular.
How much debt do Mid-State Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $8,000, which is relatively low for college graduates. This keeps monthly payments manageable even for lower-paying career tracks at the school.
What is the graduation rate at Mid-State Technical College?
Only 54% of students graduate from Mid-State Technical College. Nearly half of students drop out without completing their programs, which represents a significant financial and time investment risk.