At $42,574/yr net price, WyoTech graduates earn $50,167/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,167/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $42,574 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $170,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,167/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,167/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,800 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $39,244/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $41,178/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $42,341/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $44,274/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,767/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $34,871 | $6,800 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,166 |
The Risk Factor
84.9% of students at WyoTech graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
WyoTech delivers poor financial returns that don't justify its $42,574 annual cost. With median graduate earnings of just $50,167 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a weak payoff for a hefty investment.
The school's automotive programs, which dominate enrollment, produce graduates earning $33,000-$35,000 annually. These salaries fall well short of what you need to comfortably repay loans from a school costing over $40,000 per year. You can often enter automotive careers through community college programs at a fraction of this cost or through employer apprenticeships that pay you while you learn.
The 42.7% financial aid rate suggests limited scholarship opportunities, meaning most students pay close to full price. While the median debt of $6,800 appears manageable, this likely reflects students who couldn't complete the program or took on additional private loans not captured in federal data.
WyoTech works financially only if you're already employed in automotive industries and your employer is paying tuition, or if you have family money that makes the cost irrelevant. The 84.9% graduation rate indicates the school provides adequate training, but the economic returns don't support the premium pricing.
Skip WyoTech unless someone else is paying. Community colleges offer similar automotive programs for under $10,000 total, and many dealerships and repair shops provide paid training programs. Your financial future will be brighter starting your automotive career without the burden of expensive private school debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WyoTech worth the cost compared to other trade schools?
WyoTech's $42,574 annual net price is significantly higher than most community colleges offering similar automotive programs. With 10-year earnings of $50,167, graduates barely earn more than the annual tuition cost, making the financial return questionable compared to cheaper alternatives.
Do WyoTech graduates have high student loan debt?
WyoTech graduates have relatively low median debt at $6,800, which is better than many four-year colleges. However, this figure may not reflect the full cost since many students likely pay through other means or don't complete the program.
Which WyoTech programs offer the best return on investment?
WyoTech's vehicle maintenance programs show starting salaries around $33,000-$35,000, which is modest given the school's high costs. These earnings are typical for entry-level automotive technician positions but don't justify the premium tuition compared to community college alternatives.
What is WyoTech's job placement rate and graduate success?
WyoTech has a strong 84.9% graduation rate, indicating most students who enroll complete their programs. However, the relatively low 10-year earnings of $50,167 suggest that program completion doesn't necessarily translate to high-paying career outcomes.