At $17,111/yr net price, Midwest Institute graduates earn $30,414/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,111 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,444 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,414/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,586/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,111/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $29,685 | $30,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,194 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,906 | $9,500 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $23,869 | $16,000 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $20,921 | $9,500 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $14,627 |
The Risk Factor
65.2% of students at Midwest Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Midwest Institute delivers weak financial returns that barely justify its costs. With median earnings of $30,414 ten years after graduation and an annual price tag of $17,111, you're looking at a modest income boost that takes years to pay off the investment.
The school's Allied Health programs offer the strongest earning potential at $29,685 annually, but saddle you with $30,500 in debt that will take over a decade to recover. HVAC and Dental Support programs provide better debt-to-income ratios, with the latter requiring only $9,500 in borrowing for $25,194 in annual earnings. Medical Assisting follows a similar pattern with reasonable debt levels. Veterinary Technology pays the least while requiring $16,000 in loans, making it the weakest financial choice.
The 35% dropout rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your program. Missouri's limited job market for technical graduates means you may need to relocate for better opportunities, adding costs the ROI calculations don't capture.
This school works best if you need local training for immediate employment in healthcare support roles and can minimize borrowing. The relatively low debt loads in some programs make it viable for career changers who can pay cash or qualify for substantial aid. However, if you're seeking strong long-term earning potential or can access community college alternatives, look elsewhere. The for-profit premium you pay here doesn't translate into meaningfully better job outcomes than less expensive options would provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midwest Institute worth the cost?
Midwest Institute's $17,111 annual cost leads to $30,414 median earnings after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low debt load of $9,500 helps, but the financial return is modest compared to other career training options.
What are the best paying programs at Midwest Institute?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the highest earnings at $29,685 annually, followed by HVAC technician training at $25,194. These technical programs provide better ROI than the school's medical assisting or veterinary tech options.
How much debt do Midwest Institute graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. This manageable debt load makes the school less risky financially, even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Midwest Institute have good job placement rates?
The school has a 65% graduation rate, which is average for career colleges. The focus on healthcare and technical trades provides job opportunities in stable fields, though earnings remain below typical college graduate levels.