Western Dakota Technical College
About Western Dakota Technical College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Western Dakota Technical College teaches in Rapid City, at the edge of the Black Hills, and keeps dormitories. Nursing, vehicle repair and precision metalworking are its largest programs.
Founded
1968
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Students
753
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
54.2%
Below national average
Tuition
$8,294
Per year
Avg Net Price
$12,670
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$40,240
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
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
54.2% complete their degree within three years
Retention
67.3%
Transfer Out
7%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
56.8%
$/Student
$8.6K
Class Size
Small
54.2% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,294
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$8,150
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$18,845
After Financial Aid
$12,670
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,071
Receive Grants
33.1%
Take Loans
41.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $18,845/yr, including $8,150 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,670.
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 Western Dakota Technical College fund their education.
While in School
33.1%
Get Grants
Free money
41.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$25,793
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $15,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Dakota Technical College.
Gender
55.3%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
753
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
37.5%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
28.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 37.5% 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
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
753
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
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Dakota Technical Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$40,240
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
—
31 grads
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
$38K
27 grads
1yr Earnings
Precision Metal Working
$38K
23 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$56K
21 grads
4yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$55K
18 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$27K
17 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Dakota Technical College
How much does Western Dakota Technical College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Dakota Technical College?▾
How much do Western Dakota 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.