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 gives you a solid financial return for a two-year school. You graduate with a $12,000 median debt and hit median earnings above $50,000 within a decade, so your debt load stays well under a single year of pay. The 70.7% graduation rate matters here because a credential you actually finish is what turns the net price into a payoff.
The programs pay off in the trades and health fields you'd expect from a technical college. Energy systems and allied health both clear $50,000, and the associate in radio, television, and digital communication tops the list. The electrical and power transmission tracks show a real choice: the certificate path carries only $5,500 in debt while still earning close to $50,000, so you take on less than half the debt of the associate version for nearly the same pay. If you want the fastest route to a paycheck, that certificate is the standout value here.
The risk is that every listed program is an associate degree or certificate. There is no four-year credential to fall back on, so your earnings depend on landing work in these specific technical fields around Mitchell and the wider region. If the local energy or utility job market softens, your options are narrower than at a broader school.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay about $9,800 a year, and the figure climbs steadily with income to roughly $15,900 above $110,000. Lower-income families get the best deal here, and even the top tier stays modest for the earnings that follow.
This school fits you if you want a trade or health credential and a job near South Dakota. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree or a career outside these technical fields.
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.