Lake Area Technical College
About Lake Area Technical College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, South Dakota, has been named the best community college in the country, and it places very nearly all of its graduates into work or further study. Vehicle repair, agricultural business and marketing are among its largest programs.
Founded
1965
Location
Watertown, South Dakota
Students
1,812
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
73.1%
Near national average
Tuition
$6,718
Per year
Avg Net Price
$15,979
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$45,473
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
73.1% complete their degree within three years
Retention
81.3%
Transfer Out
6%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
79.4%
$/Student
$12.0K
Class Size
Medium
73.1% of students graduate on time, and 79.4% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$6,718
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,637
After Financial Aid
$15,979
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,193
Receive Grants
27.5%
Take Loans
57.4%
Tuition is $6,718/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $15,979.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Lake Area Technical College fund their education.
While in School
27.5%
Get Grants
Free money
57.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,805
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$12,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$127/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $12,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Lake Area Technical College.
Gender
47.2%
Female
53%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,812
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
28.7%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
11.9%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (47% women, 53% men). 28.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
1,812
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Lake Area Technical Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,473
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
$47K
133 grads
1yr Earnings
Agricultural Business and Management
$41K
104 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$32K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$66K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
$36K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$61K
31 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lake Area Technical College
How much does Lake Area Technical College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Lake Area Technical College?▾
How much do Lake Area Technical College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.