Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,303
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $122/mo
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 | $56,456 | $15,150 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | $11,000 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | $11,033 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $44,356 | $8,969 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $41,565 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,489 | $5,916 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,649 | $12,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $36,674 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,546 | $18,940 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $34,704 | $13,980 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Technical College graduates earn a median of $45,303 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 25% with typical debt loads of $11,500. Monthly loan payments of $122 represent just 3.2% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 96.3% employment rate reflects strong demand for skilled technical workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology throughout Wisconsin. Nearly 90% of students stay in-state after graduation, filling critical workforce gaps in La Crosse and surrounding communities. With relatively low debt burdens and solid earning potential in recession-resistant technical fields, Western Technical delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.