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 gives you a solid financial return for a technical school. You graduate with about $12,000 in median debt against median earnings of $38,616 ten years out, so your debt load stays below one year of pay. The 76.9% graduation rate is high for a two-year public college, which matters because a degree you finish is the only degree that pays off.
The program you pick decides your outcome here. Civil Engineering Technologies leads at $45,696, roughly $10,000 more than Vehicle Maintenance and Repair at $35,518. Both are associate degrees tied to hands-on trades that hire in rural Kansas and beyond, so the training points directly at real jobs. If you enroll in the vehicle repair track, know you are starting below the school's overall median earnings, so plan on experience or specialization to push your pay up.
The main risk is regional. Goodland sits in far northwest Kansas, and these credentials pay best in areas with construction, ag equipment, and vehicle service work. If you want to stay in a small market, the demand is there. If you move to a high-cost metro, $38,616 stretches thin.
The net price tiers are odd here. If your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay $7,266, less than families under $30,000 who pay $11,786, and far less than the $30,000 to $48,000 band paying $14,551. Check your specific aid package, because your income bracket can cost you more than a wealthier one.
This school fits you if you want a trade credential, low debt, and work in the region. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree or plan to build a career in an expensive city.
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.