At $3,050/yr net price, Sisseton Wahpeton College graduates earn $31,546/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,546/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,454/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $778/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,807/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,716/yr |
The Risk Factor
13.0% of students at Sisseton Wahpeton College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Sisseton Wahpeton College offers one of the lowest net prices in higher education at just over $3,000 annually, but this bargain comes with serious financial risks. The 13% graduation rate means most students who enroll will not complete their degree, potentially leaving them with debt and no credential to show for it.
The median earnings of $31,546 for graduates who do finish represents a modest return on investment given the low cost. However, this figure only reflects the small fraction of students who actually graduate. If you're considering this school, your primary concern should be whether you can beat those graduation odds.
The low completion rate suggests students face significant barriers to finishing their programs. As a tribal college serving primarily Native American students in rural South Dakota, the school provides important cultural and community connections that extend beyond pure financial calculations. For students who need to stay close to home and have strong support systems in place, the affordable price point makes it worth the risk.
You should look elsewhere if you need predictable outcomes or if you're unsure about your commitment to completing college. The financial risk lies not in high costs but in the high probability of non-completion. Students who do graduate often continue their education elsewhere, using Sisseton Wahpeton as a stepping stone.
With nearly 60% of students receiving financial aid on top of already low tuition, many students pay very little out of pocket. This makes it a reasonable option if you have strong motivation to complete your degree and value the cultural environment the college provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sisseton Wahpeton College worth the cost?
With a net price of $3,050 per year, Sisseton Wahpeton College is very affordable, but graduates earn only $31,546 annually after 10 years. The extremely low graduation rate of 13% means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Sisseton Wahpeton College?
Only 13% of students graduate from Sisseton Wahpeton College. This means 87 out of 100 students who start don't complete their degree, which significantly impacts the school's value despite low tuition costs.
How much do Sisseton Wahpeton College graduates earn?
Graduates earn $31,546 per year 10 years after starting college. While the low tuition keeps student debt minimal, these earnings are below national averages for college graduates.
Should I attend Sisseton Wahpeton College for career training?
The school offers affordable education at $3,050 per year, but the 13% graduation rate suggests serious completion challenges. Consider whether you can succeed where most students don't finish their programs.