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 gives you a low-cost path into skilled trades and healthcare, and the debt numbers back that up. A median debt of $7,500 against median earnings of $43,470 means you can pay off what you borrow without it hanging over you for years. For a two-year credential, that ratio works.
The payoff depends heavily on what you study. Electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance tops the list at over $55,000, and registered nursing pays close behind at $53,219 even with the highest debt load of any program here at $10,125. Those two associate degrees are the strongest financial bets on campus. The certificate programs in electrical power transmission and precision metal working pay in the mid-$40,000s while keeping debt under $4,500, so they clear their cost fast. Allied health and medical assisting sits at the bottom near $40,800, which still beats the debt but leaves less room.
The main risk is completion. With a 54% graduation rate, close to half of enrolled students don't finish, and a credential you don't complete gives you the debt without the earnings bump. Pick a program you'll stick with, since the earnings gap between the top and bottom programs here is real money over a career.
The net price tiers matter if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay around $7,600 a year. Above $75,000, that jumps to roughly $14,000, doubling your cost. This school fits you if you live in southwest Wisconsin and want a maintenance, electrical, or nursing job without leaving with heavy debt. If you want a bachelor's-level career or don't see yourself in the trades or healthcare, look elsewhere, since those are the fields the earnings data supports here.
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.