At $12,069/yr net price, Western Technical College graduates earn $45,303/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,303/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,069 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,276 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,303/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,303/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,560/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,179/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,084/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,587/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,996/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
39.3% of students at Western Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Western Technical College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete targeted technical programs, though the low graduation rate creates significant risk for many applicants.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,456 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. Electromechanical instrumentation and computer networking also provide strong earning potential above $50,000, making the modest debt burden manageable for completers.
Your biggest financial risk here is not finishing. With only 39% of students graduating, you face a real chance of accumulating debt without gaining the credential that unlocks higher wages. This makes Western Tech a poor choice if you're unsure about your commitment to a specific technical field.
The college works best financially for students with clear career goals in healthcare or skilled trades who can handle the technical coursework demands. If you're exploring options or prefer a traditional college experience, the low completion rates suggest you should look elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches fewer than one-third of students, meaning most pay the full net price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, since the earning potential justifies the investment only if you graduate. The relatively low debt levels across programs mean you won't face crushing payments if you do complete your credential.
Western Tech makes financial sense for motivated students targeting specific technical careers, particularly in healthcare and industrial fields. The math works when you graduate but fails if you don't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Technical College worth the cost?
Western Technical College offers decent value with a net price of $12,069 and median debt of $11,500, though the 39% graduation rate is concerning. Nursing and technical programs show strong earning potential, with registered nursing graduates earning around $56,456 annually.
What are the highest paying programs at Western Technical College?
Registered nursing tops the list at $56,456 annually, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $52,107 and networking/telecommunications at $50,856. These technical and healthcare programs offer the best return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Western Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,500, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with a 39% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt without the degree benefits.
What is the job market like for Western Technical College graduates?
Graduates earn an average of $45,303 after 10 years, which provides a reasonable return given the low cost and debt levels. Healthcare and skilled technical programs have stronger job prospects than the overall average.