At $5,023/yr net price, West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates earn $34,891/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $891/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,023 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,891/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$891/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 22.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,986 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,091/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,761/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,921/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,330/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,930/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 | $49,053 | $11,068 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | $9,618 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,852 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,134 | $6,025 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $28,598 | $8,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,904 |
The Risk Factor
48.7% of students at West Kentucky Community and 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
West Kentucky Community and Technical College delivers strong financial returns for health care programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. The school's $5,023 annual net price makes it affordable, but your program choice determines whether you'll see meaningful earnings growth.
Registered nursing graduates earn $49,053 annually with manageable debt of $11,068, creating excellent ROI given the strong demand for nurses in western Kentucky's hospital systems. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay off well at $43,798 yearly earnings. Computer science offers solid returns at $41,565 without the debt load of health programs.
You should avoid most non-health programs here. The median graduate earns just $34,891 after 10 years, barely above what you could earn with a high school diploma in many local industries. The 48.7% graduation rate means half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
This school works best for students targeting specific health care careers in the region's medical facilities. The practical nursing program offers particularly strong value with $36,134 earnings and only $6,025 in debt. You can complete training quickly and enter Kentucky's growing health care job market.
West Kentucky offers limited merit aid opportunities, with only 32% of students receiving financial assistance. Your best cost strategy involves choosing high-earning health programs and completing your degree quickly to minimize total expenses. Students seeking broader career options or four-year degrees should consider transferring after completing general education requirements here at the low in-state rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Kentucky Community and Technical College worth the money?
West Kentucky Community and Technical College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,023 annually and median debt under $9,000. The nursing programs deliver solid returns with graduates earning $49,000, though other programs show weaker ROI with overall graduate earnings around $35,000.
What are the best paying programs at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
Registered Nursing leads at $49,053 annually, followed by Allied Health Diagnostic programs at $43,798. Computer Science graduates earn $41,565, while other health programs and practical nursing fall in the mid-to-upper $30,000 range.
How much debt do West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $8,986, which is manageable for a community college. However, with a 48% graduation rate, nearly half of students may leave with debt but no degree.
Does West Kentucky Community and Technical College have good job placement?
The school's 48% graduation rate is concerning, meaning many students don't complete their programs. For those who do graduate, nursing and allied health fields offer the best career prospects and earnings potential.