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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other end. You borrow a median of $8,000 to graduate, and half of graduates clear roughly $42,000 ten years out. That gap between small debt and steady pay is the strongest argument for this school: you are unlikely to dig yourself into a financial hole here.
The program picture is narrow, and every listed payoff sits at the associate or certificate level. Computer Programming leads the pack, and Precision Metal Working proves a certificate can pay nearly as much as a two-year nursing degree in this part of central Wisconsin, where manufacturing and health care drive local hiring. Registered Nursing and Allied Health carry slightly higher debt, around $9,000 to $9,500, but both feed regional hospital demand. Criminal Justice and Corrections sits at the bottom, and its pay barely justifies its debt.
The main risk is a ceiling, not a cliff. None of these programs are a bachelor's degree, and the top earners here still land well below what four-year technical fields pay. If you stop at the associate level and the local job market softens, your earnings have little room to climb.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $9,000 to $9,200 a year. Cross $75,000 and your price jumps past $14,000, closing much of the affordability gap.
This school fits you if you want a specific trade or clinical credential, a job in central Wisconsin, and minimal debt. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree or high earning potential, since the ceiling here is real and the strongest programs top out near $38,000.
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.