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 gives you a low-cost path with solid returns if you pick the right program. With debt under half the median earnings figure, the math works out for most graduates who finish.
Nursing is the clear winner here. An associate degree in registered nursing pays over $62,000, and even with the higher $20,000 debt load, you clear that quickly. The allied health and electromechanical associate degrees also land near or above $58,000, and the electromechanical program does it while keeping debt at $12,000. That combination of high pay and low debt is the strongest bet on this list.
Computer programming pays about $52,000 as an associate degree, which is a decent return for a two-year credential. The HVAC certificate at $47,260 is the lowest earner listed, but it's a certificate, so you invest less time and money to reach it. Every top program here is a trade or health field, so if your interest sits outside those areas, the payoff data doesn't cover you.
The main risk is the 42% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry cost with no credential to show for it. Nursing debt at $20,000 also stings more if you drop before licensure.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $7,200 a year. over $110,000 and it more than doubles to $15,194. That flip makes this school a strong deal if you qualify for need-based aid and a weaker one if you don't.
Go here if you want nursing, a health field, or a hands-on technical trade and you'll actually finish. Look elsewhere if your target field isn't among the programs above or if you're not confident you'll complete the credential.
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.