At $20,489/yr net price, Orion Technical College graduates earn $37,008/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,008/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,489 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,956 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,008/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,008/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 27.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,409/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,741/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,431/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,127/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $27,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,674 | $24,090 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $28,816 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,808 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
80.5% of students at Orion Technical College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Orion Technical College delivers weak ROI for most students, with median graduate earnings of just $37,008 against a $20,489 annual price tag. Your investment pays off only if you pursue electrical engineering technology, where graduates earn $51,273 and justify the higher $27,000 debt load.
The college's health administration and medical assisting programs trap you in low-wage careers earning under $29,000 annually. These programs saddle you with debt for jobs that typically require only certificates elsewhere. Medical assistants nationwide average similar pay without four-year degrees.
Your biggest financial risk is the for-profit structure combined with limited program options. If you struggle in electrical engineering or discover it's not for you, switching majors leads to poor outcomes. The 80% graduation rate looks decent but masks the weak earning potential in most programs.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to electrical technology and confident in your math and technical skills. The Davenport location offers reasonable living costs, but regional manufacturing jobs may not absorb all graduates at top salary levels.
Look elsewhere if you're considering health programs, unsure about your major, or seeking broad career flexibility. Community colleges offer similar technical training at lower cost, while state universities provide better ROI for most four-year degrees. With 57% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships exist but won't overcome the fundamental mismatch between program costs and career earnings potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orion Technical College worth the money?
Orion Technical College graduates earn $37,008 annually 10 years after graduation, which is below average for the $20,489 yearly cost. The electrical engineering technology program offers better returns at $51,273, but other programs struggle to justify the expense.
What are the best paying programs at Orion Technical College?
Electrical Engineering Technologies leads with $51,273 in median earnings, making it the only program that clearly pays off. Health administration and medical assisting programs earn $28,816 and $24,808 respectively, which may not cover loan payments comfortably.
How much debt do Orion Technical College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. With an 80.5% graduation rate, most students do finish their programs, but earnings in many fields may still make repayment challenging.
Should I attend Orion Technical College for healthcare programs?
Healthcare administration graduates earn $28,816 while medical assisting graduates earn $24,808 annually. These salaries may struggle to support loan repayment and living expenses, especially given the program costs.