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Colleges / SD / Rapid City
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Western Dakota Technical College

Public Rapid City, SD · Urban · Plains · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
54%
Graduation Rate
$40,240
Earnings (10yr)
$12,670
Net Price
753
Enrollment

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Overview

With an enrollment of 753 students, Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, SD, is a solid choice for those looking to dive into hands-on careers. It’s especially well-suited for individuals interested in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Precision Production, Mechanic & Repair Tech, and Computer Science & IT. What stands out is the focus on practical skills that can lead directly to employment, which is increasingly important in today's job market.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $40,240 a year within ten years, highlighting the tangible benefits of the programs offered. While there isn't specific mobility data available, the earning potential suggests that graduates can find stable positions and potentially move up in their careers over time. The affordability of education here also plays a significant role, making it easier for students to invest in their futures without overwhelming financial burdens.

Looking at the financials, the net price after aid sits at $12,670, while the median debt for graduates is $15,000. This balance indicates that many students can graduate with manageable debt. Those who tend to thrive at Western Dakota Technical College are often those seeking practical degrees that lead directly into the workforce, ready to take advantage of the strong earning potential in their fields of study.

Rankings

How Western Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation54%Earnings 10yr$40KNet Price$13KRetention67%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate33%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$11K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$19K$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%1485.7%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1160.2%MOBILITY172.37%

Cost & Financial Aid

$8,294
In-State Tuition
$8,294
Out-of-State
$12,670
Avg Net Price
$15,000
Median Debt
33%
Pell Grant Rate
41%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$10,071
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,543
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,003
Family Income $48K–$75K
$18,845
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$36,971
6 Years After Entry
$37,962
8 Years
$40,240
10 Years
0.37x
Debt-to-Earnings
55%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$36,971 6yr $37,962 8yr $40,240 10yr

Social Mobility

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

172.37%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1160.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1485.7%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$54,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.04
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.91
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 67%
Full-Time Faculty 57%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,826
Diversity Index 0.46
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Health Professions 46%
Business & Marketing 11%
Precision Production 10%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 8%
Computer Science & IT 8%
Construction Trades 7%
Criminal Justice 3%
Culinary & Personal Services 1%