At $13,235/yr net price, Minneapolis Community and Technical College graduates earn $40,086/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,086/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,235 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,086/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,086/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,954 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,634/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,759/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,111/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,709/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,264/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $63,005 | $20,000 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $60,094 | $18,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,866 | $21,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $48,823 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $46,673 | $17,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $42,309 | |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $41,725 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $41,193 |
The Risk Factor
16.8% of students at Minneapolis Community and 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
The financial picture at Minneapolis Community and Technical College hinges almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns about $40,000 a decade out, but that number hides a wide split between programs that pay for themselves and ones that leave you stuck near that median.
Your best bets are the trade and health associate degrees. HVAC technicians and computer programmers both clear $60,000, and registered nursing pays close behind while feeding directly into the Twin Cities hospital system, one of the largest health care employers in the state. Precision metal working and allied health diagnostics also land solidly in the $50,000s. These are the programs where your degree carries weight with local employers, and the debt loads on them ($18,000 to $21,000) stay in line with what you'll earn back fast.
The biggest risk here is the graduation rate. Fewer than 17 out of 100 students finish, and if you leave without the credential you take on debt without the earnings bump that justifies it. The strong salary numbers above only apply if you actually complete a program that leads to them.
The net price barely moves across income levels, running from about $12,600 for families under $30,000 to $18,264 for those over $110,000. That flat structure means lower-income families don't get the steep discount you'd see at many four-year schools, so budget for roughly $13,000 a year regardless.
This school fits you if you're aiming at a specific trade or health credential and can commit to finishing. If you're undecided or drawn to a general transfer track, the low completion rate makes the math risky, and you should look at schools with stronger graduation numbers before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minneapolis Community and Technical College worth the cost?
Minneapolis Community and Technical College can be worth it if you choose the right program and complete your degree. HVAC and computer programming graduates earn $60,000+ annually, but the 17% graduation rate means most students don't finish.
What programs at Minneapolis Community and Technical College have the best job prospects?
HVAC technology offers the highest returns at $63,005 annually, followed by computer programming at $60,094. Nursing and precision metalworking also pay well above the school average of $40,086.
How much debt do Minneapolis Community and Technical College students typically graduate with?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $17,954, which is manageable for high-paying programs like HVAC or nursing. However, this debt becomes problematic if you don't complete your program or enter a lower-paying field.
What is the graduation rate at Minneapolis Community and Technical College?
Only 16.8% of students graduate, which is extremely low even for community colleges. This means most students accumulate debt and time costs without earning a credential.