At $17,165/yr net price, Southeast Technical College graduates earn $46,709/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,709/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,165 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,709/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,709/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.8% |
| 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 | $14,893/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,579/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,103/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,834/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,037/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,683 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $43,798 | $18,975 |
| 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 | $12,400 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,729 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,369 | $12,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,478 |
The Risk Factor
50.8% of students at Southeast Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southeast Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with median earnings of $46,709 putting graduates well above the national average for associate degree holders. The $12,000 median debt load keeps your financial risk manageable compared to four-year alternatives.
Civil Engineering Technologies stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $50,856 annually. Electromechanical Instrumentation follows closely at $49,683. These technical programs align perfectly with South Dakota's energy and infrastructure sectors, where demand for skilled technicians remains high. HVAC graduates earn $43,426, reflecting strong regional construction activity.
Computer networking graduates face a tougher financial picture, earning $43,798 while carrying nearly $19,000 in debt. The debt-to-income ratio makes this program less attractive than the school's hands-on technical offerings. IT management shows similar concerns with moderate earnings relative to debt.
The 50.8% graduation rate signals that half of students don't complete their programs, creating financial risk if you struggle with technical coursework or need extensive academic support. Only 32% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited grant opportunities.
Southeast Tech works best if you want direct entry into skilled trades without the time and expense of a bachelor's degree. The school makes financial sense for hands-on learners targeting South Dakota's industrial job market. Skip this option if you need extensive student support services, plan to transfer to a four-year program, or want careers requiring bachelor's degrees. The computer programs offer weaker value than the core technical trades that drive this school's strong employment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast Technical College worth the money?
Southeast Technical College offers reasonable value for students who complete programs in high-demand fields like civil engineering technology and HVAC. With relatively low debt levels around $12,000 and starting salaries above $40,000 in top programs, graduates can typically pay off loans within a few years.
What is the job outlook for Southeast Technical College graduates?
Graduates in Southeast Technical College's strongest programs earn $43,000-$51,000 annually, well above the state average for technical workers. However, the 51% graduation rate means about half of students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts overall employment outcomes.
How much debt do Southeast Technical College students typically have?
The median debt load at Southeast Technical College is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. Students in the highest-paying programs like civil engineering technology can expect to earn enough to repay loans comfortably.
Which Southeast Technical College programs have the best return on investment?
Civil engineering technology and electromechanical instrumentation programs offer the strongest ROI at Southeast Technical College, with graduates earning around $50,000 annually. Computer networking and HVAC programs also provide solid returns with starting salaries above $43,000.