Associate Degree in Precision Metal Working. — ROI at Lake Area Technical College
SD · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Precision Metal Working. at Lake Area Technical College
Net Annual Cost
$18,239
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$47,024
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$11,001
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$47,024 × 20 years
+$940,480
Total 2-Year Cost
$18,239 × 2 years
−$36,478
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$11,001 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$14,851
Baseline Opportunity Cost ⓘ The estimated earnings you would make with a high school diploma over 20 years ($42,000/yr), which you forfeit while studying.
$42,000 median no-degree salary × 20 years
−$840,000
20-Year Net ROI
+$49,150
Graduation Rate
67.0%
of students complete their degree
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How we calculate ROI
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings − Total 2-Year Cost − Estimated Debt Payoff − Baseline Opportunity Cost
Baseline assumes $42,000/yr median earnings without a college degree. Debt payoff uses a 1.35× multiplier to account for interest over a standard repayment period.
Data sourced from the U.S. College Scorecard.