At $10,277/yr net price, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates earn $43,470/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,470/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,277 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,470/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,470/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,569/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,745/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,682/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,133/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,277/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,219 | $10,125 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $45,341 | $4,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $43,426 | $4,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,821 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $40,467 | $10,000 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $37,748 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Certificate | $32,925 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $31,851 |
The Risk Factor
54.1% of students at Southwest Wisconsin 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
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College delivers solid financial returns for most students, with strongly low debt loads that make the investment far less risky than typical four-year programs.
The technical programs generate the strongest earnings potential. Electromechanical instrumentation graduates earn over $55,000 annually, while nursing program completers make $53,000 but carry higher debt at $10,125. Electrical power transmission and precision metalworking both pay well while keeping debt under $5,000, creating excellent return ratios.
Your biggest financial risk is the 54% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without credentials. This school works best if you enter with clear career goals and can handle the hands-on technical coursework. The rural Wisconsin location also limits your job market to manufacturing, healthcare, and utilities in the region.
This college makes financial sense if you want technical training without crushing debt and plan to work in southwest Wisconsin. The $10,277 annual cost is manageable, and most graduates face minimal loan payments. However, you should look elsewhere if you need urban job markets, want four-year degree options, or lack certainty about technical careers.
The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests either modest family incomes in the region or limited institutional scholarships. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Wisconsin Technical College worth the cost?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offers good value with low debt ($7,500 median) and decent earnings ($43,470 after 10 years). The net price of $10,277 per year is reasonable, though the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
Electromechanical Instrumentation ($55,512) and Nursing ($53,219) are the top earners at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Electrical Power Transmission also pays well at $45,341, while Allied Health programs earn less at $40,821.
How much debt do Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates have?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $7,500. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment compared to schools with higher borrowing requirements.
What is the job outlook for Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates earn $43,470 annually 10 years after enrollment, which is solid for technical programs. However, the 54% graduation rate indicates completion challenges that prospective students should consider.