At $10,956/yr net price, St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates earn $46,874/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,874/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,956 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,824 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,874/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,874/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.2% |
| 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 | $7,221/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,746/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,396/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,631/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,194/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $62,260 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,673 | $16,729 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $57,995 | $12,000 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $47,260 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $45,696 | $9,500 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $43,240 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $42,682 | $10,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $41,007 | $11,997 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $40,728 | $19,426 |
The Risk Factor
42.2% of students at St Cloud Technical and Community 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
St Cloud Technical and Community College delivers solid financial returns for most career-focused programs, with graduates earning a median $46,874 annually while carrying just $12,000 in debt. The low debt load makes this one of Minnesota's more affordable paths to middle-class earnings.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $62,260 despite higher debt of $20,000. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $58,673, and the electromechanical instrumentation program hits $57,995 with debt staying at the school median. Computer programming graduates earn $52,107, though debt data isn't available for this program.
The 42% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly six in ten students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for higher wages. This matters most for longer programs where you'll accumulate more costs before seeing returns.
You'll get the best value here if you target high-earning technical programs and have the discipline to finish. The school works well for Minnesota residents seeking practical skills training without the expense of a four-year degree. The relatively low financial aid rate of 35% suggests many students can afford the costs without heavy borrowing.
Skip this school if you're unsure about your program choice or lack strong study habits. The graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs, and dropping out with debt but no credential defeats the financial purpose. Consider four-year options if you want broader career flexibility or plan to pursue management roles that typically require bachelor's degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Cloud Technical and Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,956 annually and median earnings of $46,874 ten years after graduation, St Cloud Technical offers decent value for technical careers. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at St Cloud Technical and Community College?
Nursing programs lead with median earnings of $62,260, followed by allied health diagnostics at $58,673 and electromechanical instrumentation at $57,995. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average.
How much debt do St Cloud Technical and Community College students graduate with?
Graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year institutions. This lower debt burden makes the ROI more favorable for students who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at St Cloud Technical and Community College?
Only 42% of students graduate from St Cloud Technical, meaning more than half don't finish their programs. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for students considering enrollment.