Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,240
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,909 | $15,176 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,134 | $12,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,042 | $12,720 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | $15,750 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $31,848 | $12,000 |
| 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 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Dakota Technical College graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $15,000 creates monthly payments of $159, consuming just 4.8% of typical graduate earnings. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 sits well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals financial stress. The school's 96.6% employment rate reflects strong demand for skilled technicians in the Black Hills region. Graduates typically find work in automotive repair, welding fabrication, and healthcare support roles where technical certifications matter more than four-year degrees. Many employers actively recruit from Western Dakota's programs. The combination of low debt, immediate employment prospects, and solid starting salaries around $37,000 delivers a strong return on investment for hands-on learners seeking stable careers.