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 keeps costs low and debt lower, which is the core of its financial case. You borrow under $9,000 on average and pay a net price that stays modest at most income levels. That low debt load is what makes the middling $34,891 median earnings tolerable instead of alarming.
The payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The associate nursing track earns close to $50,000 and clears its roughly $11,000 debt with room to spare, making it the clear financial winner here. Allied health diagnostics and computer and information sciences also land in the low $40,000s and pay off well. The practical nursing certificate earns less but carries the lightest debt of any program listed, around $6,000, so the math still works. If you land in one of these health or tech tracks, the return is strong.
The risk is that the school's median earnings sit well below its top programs. Enroll in something outside nursing, allied health, or computing and your outcome likely drifts toward that $34,891 figure. A 48.7% graduation rate means roughly half of you don't finish, and you get no earnings bump for the debt you took on if you leave without a credential.
On price, lower-income families pay the least: under $30k income runs about $4,091 a year, while over $110k pays $10,930. Even the top tier stays affordable for a two-year credential.
This school fits you if you want a nursing, allied health, or computing credential without heavy borrowing, especially if you plan to work in the Paducah region. Look elsewhere if you want a program outside those fields, since the earnings data here gives you no reason to expect a strong return.
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.