At $9,400/yr net price, Waukesha County Technical College graduates earn $46,894/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,894/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,400 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,894/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,894/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| 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 | $6,866/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,852/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,612/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,844/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,013/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $64,493 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,117 | $15,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | $18,091 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,930 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $47,846 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $47,260 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $44,356 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,235 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at Waukesha County 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
Waukesha County Technical College gives you a low-risk financial deal. You borrow a median of $12,000 to earn a degree, and ten years out the typical graduate clears roughly $47,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the kind of math that works out, and it's the main reason WCTC makes sense as a two-year school.
The payoff depends heavily on your program. Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance pushes past $64,000 with an associate degree, the strongest return here and a direct pipeline into the manufacturing and automation employers around Waukesha and greater Milwaukee. Registered Nursing lands around $55,000 but carries higher debt near $15,750, and Dental Support hits about $50,000 with the steepest debt on this list at roughly $18,000. Drafting and Design pays the least of the top five, under $48,000, so weigh the earnings against the debt before you commit to the health-support tracks.
The clearest risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and if you take on loans and leave without a credential, you keep the debt without the degree that pays it back. The technical, hands-on programs that anchor WCTC's value only pay if you complete them.
Net price scales sharply with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay under $7,000 a year. above $110,000, you pay closer to $13,000. The jump happens around the $75,000 mark, where the price climbs above $12,000.
This is a good fit if you want a specific trade or technical credential, especially in electromechanical maintenance or nursing, and you plan to work in the Milwaukee-area job market. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree on this campus or you're unsure you'll finish, since the low price only pays off with a completed credential in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waukesha County Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of $9,400 per year and median debt of only $12,000, Waukesha County Technical College offers decent value for students who complete their programs. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Waukesha County Technical College?
Electromechanical Instrumentation pays the best at $64,493 annually, followed by Criminal Justice at $57,318 and Nursing at $55,117. These programs offer strong earning potential that justifies the relatively low tuition costs.
How much debt do Waukesha County Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With most top programs earning $47,000-$64,000 annually, graduates can typically pay off this debt within a few years.
What is the job market like for Waukesha County Technical College graduates?
Average earnings of $46,894 ten years after enrollment are solid for a two-year technical college, especially in skilled trades and healthcare fields. The key is choosing high-demand programs like electromechanical technology or nursing rather than lower-paying options.