At $13,843/yr net price, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture graduates earn $56,887/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,887/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,843 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,887/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,887/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,670/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,184/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,931/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,799/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,088/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Production Operations. | Associate | $16,345 | $11,314 |
The Risk Factor
56.9% of students at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture 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
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture delivers poor financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $56,887 against a net price of $13,843 annually, you face a significant earnings gap compared to typical four-year programs.
The school's flagship Agricultural Production Operations program presents particularly concerning numbers, with graduates earning just $16,345 annually while carrying $11,314 in debt. This creates an immediate financial crisis for graduates who cannot service their loans on such low wages. The 57% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt.
Your best financial strategy here involves careful program selection and geographic considerations. The school works primarily for students who plan to return to family agricultural operations where the technical training supplements existing assets rather than serving as standalone career preparation. Students seeking traditional employment face limited opportunities in rural Nebraska's job market.
The 34% of students receiving financial aid suggests merit opportunities exist, though the relatively low net price indicates limited room for additional discounting. You should exhaust all grant and scholarship options before borrowing, as the earning potential cannot support significant debt loads.
This school makes financial sense only for students with specific agricultural family connections or those pursuing the programs as supplementary training rather than primary career preparation. Students seeking broader career prospects or higher earning potential should look elsewhere, as the combination of low completion rates, limited program earnings, and restricted regional job market creates substantial financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture worth the cost?
With a net price of $13,843 annually and graduates earning $56,887 after 10 years, the school offers reasonable value for agricultural careers. However, the 57% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture have the best ROI?
Agricultural Production Operations is the main program, costing $16,345 total. Given the school's focus on hands-on agricultural training, graduates typically enter mid-level farming and ranching positions rather than high-paying management roles.
How much debt do Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture graduates have?
The median debt is $21,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With starting salaries around $57,000, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete the program and find steady agricultural work.
Should I attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture or a four-year university?
This school makes sense if you want direct entry into agricultural work without the time and cost of a bachelor's degree. Four-year agricultural programs typically lead to higher salaries but cost significantly more upfront.