At $13,650/yr net price, Mitchell Technical College graduates earn $50,743/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,743/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,650 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,743/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,743/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,796/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,958/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,876/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,835/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,920/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Associate | $55,964 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,169 | $12,000 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $49,667 | $5,500 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $46,087 | $12,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,170 | $12,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $39,729 | |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $39,009 | $10,866 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
70.7% of students at Mitchell Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mitchell Technical College delivers strong financial returns with a median debt load of just $12,000 and graduates earning over $50,000 annually within ten years. The school's focus on technical trades aligns well with South Dakota's energy and healthcare job markets.
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication leads earnings at nearly $56,000, while Allied Health programs generate solid $51,000 salaries. Energy Systems Technologies and Electrical Power Transmission programs both clear $49,000, making them reliable choices in a state with growing renewable energy infrastructure. The Electrical programs show a clear debt advantage, with one track requiring only $5,500 in loans versus $12,000 for similar earnings.
Your main financial risk centers on the 70% graduation rate. Nearly one in three students leave without completing their program, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for higher wages. The school works best for students committed to hands-on technical careers who can complete their programs within two years.
Mitchell Tech suits you if you want quick entry into stable technical fields without heavy debt burdens. The $13,650 annual net price remains manageable, and only 30% of students need financial aid. Look elsewhere if you prefer four-year degrees or careers requiring extensive academic preparation.
The school's rural location limits some job opportunities, but graduates can access regional energy companies, healthcare systems, and media outlets across the upper Midwest. Your earning potential depends heavily on staying in technical fields where these credentials translate directly to employer needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitchell Technical College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Mitchell Technical College offers solid value with a low net price of $13,650 per year and median debt of just $12,000. Graduates earn $50,743 annually after 10 years, which provides decent returns for most technical programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Mitchell Technical College?
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication leads at $55,964 annually, followed by Allied Health programs at $51,169. Energy Systems Technology and Electrical programs also offer strong earning potential above $46,000.
How much debt do Mitchell Technical College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is relatively low for technical college graduates. This manageable debt load makes the investment less risky than many other postsecondary options.
Does Mitchell Technical College have good job placement after graduation?
With a 70.7% graduation rate, Mitchell Technical College shows decent completion rates for a technical school. The specific job placement data varies by program, but technical fields generally have strong regional demand.