Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,156/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,156/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,277 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $56,641 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $37,208 | $26,009 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,281 | $23,464 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $28,960 | $26,095 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $26,799 | $19,890 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,580 | $12,560 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $24,035 | $17,371 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,606 | $11,247 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $16,663 | $7,888 |
The Risk Factor
71.3% of students at Western Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Western Technical College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $36,156 median earnings after 10 years falls well below the national average for college graduates, but the relatively low $17,277 median debt keeps the financial burden manageable.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services stands out as the clear winner, generating $56,641 annually with debt levels that make this program financially viable. This reflects strong healthcare demand in the El Paso market. The other programs tell a more concerning story. Electronics maintenance pays $37,208 but saddles you with $26,009 in debt. Computer science graduates earn just $28,960 despite accumulating $26,095 in debt, making this program a poor financial bet given the debt-to-income ratio.
The 71% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students leave without completing their programs, creating significant financial risk if you struggle academically. Only 16% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for reducing costs.
This school works financially if you target the Allied Health program and can complete your degree without excessive borrowing. The technical focus aligns with El Paso's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. However, you should avoid this school if you want computer science training or if you need substantial financial aid to afford college. The earning potential in most programs barely justifies the time and debt investment when compared to community college alternatives or other career training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Technical College worth the cost?
Western Technical College graduates earn $36,156 annually after 10 years with median debt of $17,277, making it a reasonable investment for most students. The school's 71% graduation rate is solid for a technical college, and debt levels are manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What are the highest paying programs at Western Technical College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services leads with $56,641 annual earnings, followed by Electrical/Electronics Maintenance at $37,208. Vehicle repair programs pay the least at $26,799, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Western Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $17,277, which is relatively low for higher education. With most graduates earning $36,156 annually, the debt-to-income ratio is manageable for technical college standards.
Do Western Technical College graduates find good jobs?
The 71% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, but earnings vary significantly by field. Healthcare programs offer the strongest job prospects, while some technical programs like vehicle repair may struggle to justify the investment.