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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right program. A $12,000 median debt against $46,709 median earnings ten years out means you can pay off your loans without wrecking your budget. That debt figure is low for any credential, and it's the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Civil Engineering Technologies and Electromechanical Instrumentation are the two clear winners here, both clearing $49,000 with associate degrees tied to the trades Sioux Falls actually hires for. HVAC and the two computer/IT tracks land in the low-to-mid $40,000s, which still beats the school's median. Watch the Computer Systems Networking program: it pays $43,798 but carries $18,975 in debt, far above the school median and higher earnings than programs that cost you less. Computer/IT Administration gets you nearly the same pay at $12,400 in debt, so the networking track is the weaker deal of the two.
The main risk is the 50.8% graduation rate. Half of enrolling students don't finish, and if you're in that half you carry the net price without the earnings bump that makes it worth it. At $17,165 a year, two years of non-completion is real money spent for no credential.
This school fits you if you want a hands-on trade or technical career in the Sioux Falls area and plan to finish. The net price barely moves across income levels, from $14,893 under $30k to $19,037 over $110k, so lower-income families get only a small break here. If you need a bachelor's-level career or heavy aid to make the numbers work, look elsewhere. If you want to enter a specific technical field with low debt, Southeast Technical pays off.
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.