At $9,589/yr net price, Milwaukee Area Technical College graduates earn $41,113/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,113/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,589 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,356 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,113/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,113/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,955 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,129/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,484/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,820/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,033/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,973/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,425 | $18,500 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $54,109 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | $15,344 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,563 | $15,750 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,852 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $42,123 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $40,455 | $8,713 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $40,281 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,927 |
The Risk Factor
24.7% of students at Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee Area Technical College delivers mixed financial returns with clear winners and losers among its programs. The school's low net price of under $10,000 annually helps offset a concerning 25% graduation rate that puts many students at financial risk.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Nursing graduates earn nearly $60,000 annually with manageable debt loads, while electrical and electromechanical technology programs also provide solid returns in Milwaukee's manufacturing economy. Dental support and allied health programs offer decent middle-ground options with earnings in the high $40,000s to low $50,000s.
The graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk at MATC. Three out of four students who enroll never complete their programs, leaving them with debt but no credential. This risk is particularly dangerous for students who struggle with self-direction or need intensive academic support.
MATC works best financially if you're focused on specific technical fields with clear career paths, especially healthcare and skilled trades. The school serves students well who know exactly what they want to study and can handle the system independently. Adult learners returning for specific certifications often find good value here.
Avoid MATC if you're undecided about your career direction or need extensive academic support to succeed. The low completion rates suggest the school may not provide enough scaffolding for students who need extra help staying on track.
With over 40% of students receiving financial aid, most qualify for some assistance. Focus your energy on completing your program rather than chasing merit scholarships, since graduation versus non-completion represents the biggest financial swing at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee Area Technical College worth the money?
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers solid value with a low net price of $9,589 per year and median debt of only $14,955. However, the 24.7% graduation rate is concerning and could indicate completion challenges for many students.
What are the highest paying programs at Milwaukee Area Technical College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at $59,425 annually, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $54,109. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall average of $41,113 in 10-year earnings.
How much debt do Milwaukee Area Technical College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $14,955, which is relatively manageable for a technical college. The low debt load helps improve the return on investment, especially for higher-earning programs.
What is the graduation rate at Milwaukee Area Technical College?
Only 24.7% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This suggests many students either transfer, drop out, or take longer than expected to complete their programs.