About Western Dakota Technical College
The financial picture tells a positive story for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $14,631 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,321. Graduates typically leave with $15,000 in debt and earn a median salary of $40,240 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $159, making the debt manageable on technical salaries. Only 28% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the modest tuition without heavy borrowing.
The school delivers strong employment outcomes with a 96.6% job placement rate. Technical training programs prepare students for careers that resist automation and outsourcing. Women make up 54% of enrollment, reflecting growing opportunities for female workers in traditionally male-dominated trades.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,240
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,909 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,134 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,042 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $31,848 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $26,850 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $26,353 |
Campus Life
The small class sizes create a tight-knit feel with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Students spend most of their time in hands-on labs perfecting welding techniques or working under car hoods. The campus buzzes with the sounds of machinery and focused learning. Weekends often mean heading to the Black Hills for camping or visiting family across South Dakota. With a 97% employment rate after graduation, students stay laser-focused on their career training. The technical atmosphere attracts students serious about entering the workforce quickly, and the collaborative lab environment builds strong friendships among classmates working toward similar goals.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 40 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–37°F
- July Avg
- 58°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 16.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.7%
- Women
- 54.3%
- White
- 75.3%
- Black
- 1.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.1%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 94.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.9%
Location
- Address
- Rapid City, South Dakota 57703-4018
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,240
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,662
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College operates with open enrollment as a public technical institution, meaning qualified applicants are generally admitted. The school maintains a focused student body of 733 students who are serious about hands-on technical training. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong reputation within South Dakota.
How much does Western Dakota Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,631 annually at Western Dakota Technical College. The school charges the same $8,008 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,321 on average, making technical training highly accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in technical programs. The college specializes in hands-on training for fields like welding, automotive technology, and healthcare. This low ratio allows instructors to provide intensive, practical instruction that employers value.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Western Dakota Technical College?
An impressive 96.6% of graduates find employment after completing their programs at Western Dakota Technical College. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,240 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers. The college's focus on practical, industry-relevant training creates graduates who are immediately job-ready.
Does Western Dakota Technical College offer on-campus housing?
Western Dakota Technical College provides limited on-campus housing with a capacity of just 40 students. Room and board costs $9,300 annually for those who secure a spot in campus housing. Most students commute from the Rapid City area or find off-campus arrangements due to the small housing capacity.
How quickly do students complete programs at Western Dakota Technical College?
The college reports a 53.1% graduation rate within six years, which is typical for technical colleges where students often enter the workforce before completing degrees. Many students pursue accelerated certificate programs that lead directly to employment. The semester calendar system allows students to progress efficiently through their chosen technical specializations.
