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 gives you a low-cost, career-focused path with returns that depend heavily on which program you pick. With median debt around $11,500 and a net price near $12,000 a year, you are not taking on the kind of loan load that sinks graduates. The catch is the 39% graduation rate: your return only works if you finish, and most students here don't.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner. It pays the most of any program listed and stays affordable even with its higher debt load, so the extra borrowing buys you real earning power. The technical trades follow close behind. Electromechanical instrumentation and heavy equipment maintenance both pay well against low debt, and the heavy equipment certificate leaves you with under $9,000 owed. Computer networking and allied health round out a solid group. Every top program here sits in health care or hands-on technical work, which matches the La Crosse regional demand for those skills.
The risk is completion. If you enroll, drop out, and still carry debt, you get the cost without the salary bump. There is no bachelor's data here, so treat this as a two-year credential to a specific job, not a stepping stone that pays on its own.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or trade credential and will finish it. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or an open-ended academic path.
On price, the income tiers work in your favor at the bottom and against you at the top. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the least. if you earn over $110,000, you pay the most, and the gap between the tiers is real money. Lower-income families get the better deal here.
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.