At $14,631/yr net price, Western Dakota Technical College graduates earn $40,240/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,240/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,631 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,240/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,240/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,321/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,375/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,398/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,725/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,914/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
53.1% of students at Western Dakota 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
Western Dakota Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year program, with median earnings of $40,240 and manageable debt loads averaging $15,000. The school's focus on trades and healthcare creates clear pathways to middle-class incomes in South Dakota's job market.
Allied health programs offer the strongest earning potential at nearly $40,000 annually, while precision metalworking and practical nursing both clear $36,000 with lower debt burdens around $12,000. These technical fields align well with regional demand in Rapid City and the broader Black Hills area. Criminal justice graduates earn $34,000 but carry higher debt at $15,750, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio.
The 53% graduation rate presents the primary financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, potentially owing money without the credential needed for higher wages. You face better odds in hands-on programs where job placement rates typically run higher than the overall average.
This school works best if you want technical training for immediate employment rather than transfer to a four-year institution. The low net price of $14,631 makes it accessible even without substantial financial aid, though only 28% of students receive aid packages.
Skip Western Dakota Tech if you need extensive academic support or prefer programs with multiple career pathways. The focused curriculum serves students who know they want technical careers but offers limited flexibility for career changes. The investment pays off most clearly in healthcare and skilled trades where regional employers actively recruit graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Dakota Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $14,631 per year and median debt of only $15,000, Western Dakota Technical College offers reasonable value for technical education. However, 10-year earnings average just $40,240, which means you'll need to choose your program carefully to see strong returns.
Which Western Dakota Technical College programs have the best ROI?
Allied health programs at Western Dakota Technical College offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning nearly $40,000 annually. Precision metalworking and nursing programs also perform well, while criminal justice and electrical programs show weaker earning potential relative to the investment.
What are the graduation rates at Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College has a 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is concerning and increases the risk that you won't finish your degree.
How much debt do Western Dakota Technical College graduates have?
The median debt at Western Dakota Technical College is $15,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With starting salaries around $40,000 in the best programs, graduates can typically handle this debt load if they complete their programs.