At $29,771/yr net price, Western Technical College graduates earn $36,156/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,156/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,771 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,156/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,156/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 55.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,277 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,257/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,742/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,493/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,355/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,611/yr |
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 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $28,960 | $26,095 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,580 | $12,560 |
| 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
67.9% of students at Western Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Western Technical College delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $29,771 annual cost. With median post-graduation earnings of just $36,156, you'll need over 13 years to break even on your investment.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services stands out as the only financially viable program, generating $56,641 in median earnings. This major alone makes the college worth considering if you're committed to healthcare careers. Electrical and Electronics Maintenance offers modest returns at $37,208, though the $26,009 debt load eats into gains.
Computer and Information Sciences presents a troubling picture with earnings of only $28,960 against $26,095 in debt. Health and Medical Administrative Services pays even worse at $25,580, falling below the poverty line for many graduates despite lower debt levels.
The college's 67% graduation rate means one in three students leaves without a degree but potentially with debt. This risk compounds the already poor return on investment for most programs.
You should consider Western Technical College only if you're pursuing Allied Health programs and have exhausted cheaper community college alternatives. The school works best for students with significant financial aid or those who can pay cash without borrowing.
Skip this college if you're interested in computer science or administrative roles. Local community colleges offer similar programs at fraction of the cost with better job placement rates in the El Paso market. The financial risk outweighs potential benefits for most career paths offered here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Technical College worth the cost?
Western Technical College's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Allied health programs can justify the $29,771 annual cost with median earnings of $56,641, but other programs like general computer science lead to below-average salaries of $28,960.
What programs at Western Technical College have the best job prospects?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services offers the strongest return at Western Technical College, with graduates earning a median of $56,641. Electrical/Electronics Maintenance also shows decent prospects at $37,208, while computer science and administrative programs lag behind.
How much debt do Western Technical College graduates typically have?
Western Technical College graduates have a median debt load of $17,277, which is manageable if you choose high-earning programs like allied health. However, graduates in lower-paying programs may struggle with loan payments given the modest salary outcomes.
What is the graduation rate at Western Technical College?
Western Technical College has a 67.9% graduation rate, meaning about one in three students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for programs with weaker job market outcomes.