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Colleges / SD / Watertown
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Lake Area Technical College

Public Watertown, SD · Town · Plains · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
69%
Graduation Rate
$45,473
Earnings (10yr)
$15,979
Net Price
1,812
Enrollment

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Overview

At Lake Area Technical College, with around 1,812 students enrolled, you'll find a welcoming community that caters to those looking for practical, hands-on training. The college shines in areas like Health Professions, Mechanic and Repair Technology, Business and Marketing, Precision Production, and Culinary and Personal Services. This variety allows students to dive into fields that match their interests and career goals, making it a great fit for anyone eager to gain skills that lead directly to employment.

Looking at life after graduation, students can expect median earnings of about $45,473 ten years after they leave. That’s important because it reflects not just job placement but the potential for upward mobility in their chosen careers. While affordability is crucial, this institution does a good job at keeping costs manageable, with a net price of around $15,979 after aid. This means that many students can find pathways to success without accumulating overwhelming debt.

When it comes to financial realities, the average debt for graduates is about $12,000, which is relatively low compared to many other institutions. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to enter the workforce quickly and avoid the burden of high student loans. Typically, students who thrive here are those focused on gaining practical skills and are ready to jump into their careers, as well as those who appreciate a supportive environment.

Rankings

How Lake Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation69%Earnings 10yr$45KNet Price$16KRetention81%Median Debt$12KPell Grant Rate27%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$11K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$18K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1326.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1283.4%MOBILITY170.22%

Cost & Financial Aid

$6,718
In-State Tuition
$6,718
Out-of-State
$15,979
Avg Net Price
$12,000
Median Debt
27%
Pell Grant Rate
57%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,193
Family Income $0–$30K
$12,971
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,129
Family Income $48K–$75K
$18,230
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$43,659
6 Years After Entry
$45,724
8 Years
$45,473
10 Years
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
65%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$43,659 6yr $45,724 8yr $45,473 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

170.22%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1283.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1326.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$56,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.53
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
3.5%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 81%
Full-Time Faculty 79%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,792
Diversity Index 0.22
First-Gen Students 29%

Top Programs

Health Professions 29%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 19%
Business & Marketing 10%
Precision Production 8%
Culinary & Personal Services 4%
Transportation 4%
Computer Science & IT 3%
Criminal Justice 2%