At $12,222/yr net price, Northwest Kansas Technical College graduates earn $38,616/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,616/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,222 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,616/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,616/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.9% |
| 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 | $11,786/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,551/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,266/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,696 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,518 |
The Risk Factor
76.9% of students at Northwest Kansas Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Northwest Kansas Technical College delivers solid returns for students who choose the right programs and understand the regional job market. The low debt load of $12,000 and strong graduation rate of 77% create favorable conditions for financial success.
Civil Engineering Technologies stands out as the clear winner, generating median earnings of $45,696 that justify the investment multiple times over. This program aligns well with infrastructure needs across rural Kansas and neighboring states. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies produces more modest returns at $35,518, but still provides reasonable payback given the low debt burden.
The school's location in Goodland presents both opportunities and limitations. You'll find steady demand for technical skills in agriculture, energy, and transportation sectors throughout western Kansas and eastern Colorado. However, career advancement may require eventual relocation to larger markets.
Financial aid opportunities appear limited, with only 23% of students receiving aid. This suggests you'll likely pay close to the full net price of $12,222 annually. The upside is that this figure already represents a manageable cost structure compared to four-year alternatives.
This school works best for students committed to hands-on technical careers who want to minimize debt while gaining marketable skills. The combination of low costs, high completion rates, and focused training creates a straightforward path to employment. You should look elsewhere if you're uncertain about technical work or need extensive financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Kansas Technical College worth the cost?
Northwest Kansas Technical College offers reasonable value with low debt levels around $12,000 and a net price of $12,222 per year. However, median earnings of $38,616 after 10 years are below average for technical programs, making the ROI modest compared to other trade schools.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest Kansas Technical College?
Civil Engineering Technologies pays the highest at $45,696 annually, making it the strongest ROI option at Northwest Kansas Technical College. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair programs earn around $35,518, which is decent for the automotive field but not exceptional.
How much debt do Northwest Kansas Technical College graduates have?
Northwest Kansas Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt level helps offset the school's below-average earning outcomes.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest Kansas Technical College?
Northwest Kansas Technical College has a 76.90% graduation rate, which is solid for a technical college. This suggests most students who enroll complete their programs successfully.