At $9,935/yr net price, Moraine Park Technical College graduates earn $44,371/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,371/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,935 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,371/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,371/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,225 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,494/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,852/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,983/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,165/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,763/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 | $53,819 | $10,500 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $50,606 | $3,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,249 | $11,412 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $42,458 | $3,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $10,500 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,928 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Associate | $37,208 | $14,335 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,992 | $10,800 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Certificate | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
49.8% of students at Moraine Park Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Moraine Park Technical College delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $44,371 placing it well above typical community college outcomes. Your investment of roughly $20,000 for a two-year program typically pays off within five years of graduation.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $53,819 annually despite carrying $10,500 in debt. Electrical power transmission offers strong value at $50,606 in earnings with just $3,500 in debt, making it one of the strongest ROI programs available. Precision metal working provides similar debt-to-earnings ratios for hands-on learners.
The 49.8% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Moraine Park. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Allied health programs carry higher debt loads relative to earnings, requiring careful consideration of your commitment level.
This school works best if you want specific technical training for Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The low net price and modest debt levels make it accessible for working adults and career changers. However, students seeking four-year transfer pathways or liberal arts preparation should look elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 20% of students, suggesting most pay close to full price. The low sticker price makes this manageable, but explore work-study options and employer partnerships that might reduce your costs further. Focus on high-completion programs like nursing and electrical trades where job placement rates justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moraine Park Technical College worth the cost?
Moraine Park Technical College offers decent value with a low net price of $9,935 annually and modest debt levels at $8,225 median. However, the 49.8% graduation rate is concerning, meaning half of students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Moraine Park Technical College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Moraine Park Technical College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $53,819 annually. Electrical and power transmission installer programs also pay well at $50,606, making these the best bets for financial returns.
How much debt do Moraine Park Technical College graduates have?
Moraine Park Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $8,225, which is relatively low for higher education. With annual earnings averaging $44,371 ten years after graduation, most graduates can manage this debt load reasonably well.
Are Moraine Park Technical College graduates finding good jobs?
Moraine Park Technical College graduates earn an average of $44,371 annually ten years after graduation, which is solid for technical careers. The challenge is actually graduating, as nearly half of students don't complete their programs.