At $8,875/yr net price, Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates earn $40,473/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,473/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,875 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,473/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,473/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,493/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,647/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,402/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,970/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 | $50,387 | $13,897 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,704 | $5,665 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,603 | $8,931 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,526 | $11,000 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,726 | $11,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $28,960 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $28,598 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
40.2% of students at Western Iowa Tech Community 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 Iowa Tech delivers strong financial returns for healthcare students but weaker outcomes in other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $50,387 annually against just $13,897 in debt, creating excellent payoff potential in Sioux City's healthcare job market.
Your program choice determines your financial success here. Registered nursing offers the clearest path to strong earnings, while allied health programs provide solid middle-income careers with notably low debt loads of $5,665. Practical nursing and automotive repair both generate respectable $34,000+ salaries, though you'll carry more debt in these fields.
The school's main financial risk lies in its 40% graduation rate. Four out of ten students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement. This makes program selection and completion commitment critical to your financial outcome.
Western Iowa Tech works best financially if you're targeting healthcare careers or need affordable vocational training in the Sioux City region. The low net price of $8,875 annually makes it accessible, and the modest $11,000 median debt burden remains manageable compared to four-year alternatives.
You should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or higher-earning potential outside healthcare and trades. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities, so you'll likely pay close to the sticker price. The school serves its regional job market well but offers limited upward mobility for ambitious career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Iowa Tech Community College worth the money?
Western Iowa Tech offers decent value with a net price of $8,875 annually and median debt of just $11,000. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $40,473 after 10 years are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Western Iowa Tech Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn the highest at $50,387 annually, making it the clear winner for return on investment. Accounting graduates earn $38,289, while most other programs including automotive repair and practical nursing pay in the mid-$30,000s.
How much student debt do Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,000, which is relatively low for college graduates. This manageable debt load combined with the school's affordable tuition helps improve the overall financial picture for those who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Western Iowa Tech Community College?
Only 40% of students graduate from Western Iowa Tech, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should consider when weighing costs and benefits.