Public · Mostly certificates · Small city

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, Kentucky. 2,851 undergraduates.

54%Graduation rate17 pts below the national median for similar colleges (71%)
$795Average net price per year96% below the national median for similar colleges ($17,716)
$36,627Median earnings 10 years after startingAbout the same as the national median for similar colleges
$10,187Median debt at graduation7% above the national median for similar colleges ($9,500)
Our read

Graduates' median debt ($10,187) equals 28% of former students' median earnings ten years after starting ($36,627).

What families actually pay

Under $30,000$678
$48,001–$75,000$584
$75,001–$110,000$2,328
Over $110,000$6,213

Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, by family income. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Compare net price across collegesPublished tuition and fees: $4,872 in-state, $6,672 out-of-state.

Do students finish, and what do they earn?

MeasureThis collegeSimilar colleges nationally
Graduation rate54%71%
Return for second year71%77%
Median earnings, 6 years after starting$35,467$33,491
Median earnings, 10 years after starting$36,627$36,576
Median debt at graduation$10,187$9,500

Graduation rate within 150% of normal time; retention is the share of first-year students who return. Earnings are medians for former students who received federal aid, working and not enrolled. National comparison is the median for colleges of the same type (mostly certificates).

Programs and what graduates earn

43 programs reported
ProgramGraduates / yrMedian earnings, 1 yrMedian earnings, 5 yrsMedian debt
Precision Metal Working293$38,436$66,075$5,500
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians36$64,285——
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants329$30,034$50,619$11,288
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)52$40,028$47,654—
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions22$41,289——
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers158$39,812——
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians174$39,283——
Computer and Information Sciences, General130$37,099—$11,750
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians29$36,914——
Business Administration, Management and Operations235$32,782—$16,788
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services54$32,341—$16,663
Health and Medical Administrative Services87$32,288—$16,500
Criminal Justice and Corrections39$31,213——
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services107$25,267—$8,787
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services13$23,313——
Graphic Communications29$22,026——
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions49$21,557—$5,750
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services32$13,490——
Culinary Arts and Related Services31———
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians7———
Fire Protection8———
Carpenters52———
Design and Applied Arts7———
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions8———

Program-level medians for graduates who received federal aid. A dash means the Department of Education suppressed the figure to protect privacy, usually because the program is small. At four-year colleges, certificate graduates often earned a bachelor's at the same time, so their earnings can reflect the degree. Source: College Scorecard, field of study data.

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Quick answers

How much does West Kentucky Community and Technical College cost per year?
The average net price at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, what students pay after grants and scholarships, is $795 per year. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much do West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates earn?
Former West Kentucky Community and Technical College students earn a median of $36,627 a year ten years after starting college. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
54% of West Kentucky Community and Technical College students graduate within 150% of normal time. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much student debt do West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median federal student debt at graduation from West Kentucky Community and Technical College is $10,187. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.