# Western Dakota Technical College

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-dakota-technical-college

## Overview

- **Location:** Rapid City, SD
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Plains
- **Enrollment:** 753
- **Predominant Degree:** Associate's

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

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

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $10,071 |
| $30K-$48K | $10,543 |
| $48K-$75K | $14,003 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $18,845 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 54% |
| Retention Rate | 67% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $36,971 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $37,962 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $40,240 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 172.37% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 1160.2% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 1485.7% |
| Parent Median Income | $54,700 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.04 |
| Friending Bias | 0.03 |
| Volunteering Rate | 4.7% |
| Support Ratio | 0.91 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| 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% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 4 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #1 in [Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-south-dakota)
- #5 in [Best Nursing Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-south-dakota)
- #7 in [Best Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-south-dakota)
- #8 in [Best Business Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-south-dakota)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Western Dakota Technical College — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-dakota-technical-college