Southeast Technical College: $7,650 Tuition

$7,650Tuition

2,164Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,709Earnings

#4 in South DakotaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College trains students for careers that matter in South Dakota's growing economy. The school specializes in healthcare, skilled trades, and technology programs that employers actually need. With 2,164 students on a midsize city campus in Sioux Falls, the college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention during hands-on training.

Students pay an average net price of $17,165 after financial aid, regardless of whether they're from in-state or out-of-state since tuition stays flat at $7,650. Graduates earn a median of $46,709 ten years after completing their programs, making the typical debt load of $12,000 manageable with monthly payments around $127. The investment pays off quickly since alumni start earning $43,241 just one year after graduation.

The school's 97.9% employment rate tells the real story about career outcomes. Students aren't just getting jobs after graduation - they're landing positions in fields where South Dakota desperately needs skilled workers. About 81% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community focused on building careers rather than traditional college experiences. Only 32% of students need Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families investing in practical career training.

Academics & Faculty

Southeast Technical College builds careers through hands-on programs in healthcare, automotive technology, and skilled trades. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know your name and can provide individual attention during lab work and clinical rotations. With a 50.80% graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for technical colleges where students often balance work and family obligations. The school specializes in practical training that leads directly to employment. Programs like nursing, welding, and information technology emphasize real-world skills over theoretical coursework. Students spend significant time in labs, workshops, and clinical settings rather than lecture halls.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,709

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$50,856
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$49,683
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$43,798
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$43,426
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$42,682
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$39,729
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$39,369
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$38,289
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services.	Certificate	$38,289
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$37,478

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life centers around career preparation rather than traditional college experiences. With only 202 housing spots for 2,164 students, just 9% live on campus. Most students commute from around Sioux Falls, which sits in the heart of South Dakota's largest metro area. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so a heavy coat is essential for navigating between technical labs and classrooms.

The 45% male, 55% female split reflects the school's diverse program mix spanning healthcare, automotive, and construction trades. Students spend most of their time in hands-on labs rather than lecture halls. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Weekends often involve part-time jobs or internships since 97.9% find employment after graduation. Social life revolves around program-specific groups rather than Greek life or sports teams. The semester calendar keeps students focused on completing certificates and associate degrees quickly. Many students are older, career-changers, or working adults balancing family responsibilities with technical training.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 202 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0
Stalking	1	0
Statutory Rape	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–25°F
July Avg: 63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 28.3"
Annual Snowfall: 45.3"

Student Demographics

Southeast Technical College draws students who want immediate career preparation without the debt burden of four-year schools. With 81% of students from South Dakota, the school has built a solid reputation throughout the state for producing job-ready graduates. The student body is 55% women, reflecting the college's strong healthcare programs where women traditionally enroll in higher numbers. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to middle-class careers. The technical focus attracts students prioritizing employment outcomes over traditional college experiences.

Men: 45.1%
Women: 54.9%
White: 81.1%
Black: 6.1%
Hispanic: 3.8%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 80.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.3%

Location

Southeast Technical College sits in Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city with a population of about 195,000. The campus is roughly 240 miles from Minneapolis and 350 miles from Denver, placing it in the heart of the Great Plains. Sioux Falls anchors eastern South Dakota as a regional economic center, known for its growing healthcare and financial services sectors. The city offers more urban amenities than typical college towns, including the scenic Falls Park featuring the Big Sioux River waterfalls that give the city its name. With 80.57% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as a key workforce development center for the region. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare Southeast Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107-1301

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,709
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,646
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the employment rate for Southeast Technical College graduates?

Southeast Technical College boasts an impressive 97.9% employment rate for graduates. The school specializes in high-demand technical fields like healthcare, trades, and technology that employers actively seek. With median earnings of $46,709 ten years after graduation, students find solid career prospects in practical professions.

How much does Southeast Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Southeast Technical College is $17,165 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,893 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay up to $19,037. With 32.29% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school serves many working-class families seeking affordable technical training.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southeast Technical College?

Southeast Technical College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,164 enrolled students. This allows for hands-on instruction essential in technical programs like welding, nursing, and automotive technology. The small class sizes help students master complex skills that require individual attention and practice.

Is Southeast Technical College a good investment for students?

Graduates carry a median debt of just $12,000 with monthly loan payments of $127. The 59.55% loan repayment rate reflects graduates' ability to manage debt on technical salaries. Students typically see strong returns given the 50.80% six-year graduation rate and consistent employment in skilled trades.

Where do Southeast Technical College students live?

The campus housing capacity is limited to 202 students in this midsize city setting of Sioux Falls. Most of the 80.57% in-state student body commutes from the surrounding area. The school serves local workforce development needs rather than creating a traditional residential college experience.

Does Southeast Technical College offer good financial support?

About 19.13% of students receive institutional grants averaging $5,456. While 55.61% take federal loans, the relatively low debt burden reflects the school's focus on affordable career training. The school attracts students seeking practical skills without the massive debt loads of four-year institutions.