The South Dakota Board of Technical Education recently released the Graduate Outcomes Report for the state’s four technical colleges based on 2023 graduate placement information. (Methodology below.) Western Dakota Technical College graduates have an overall placement rate of 99% for the third consecutive year*. Of those graduates, 95% are working in their program career field – an increase from the 91% percentage reported last year. The hourly average salary for WDTC graduates employed in-field careers, the first year following commencement, is $25.05, which is now higher than that reported by the technical college in Sioux Falls which is $23.25. On average, WDTC graduates are making about $52,000 annually in their first year.
The top earning career programs for WDTC students, one year after graduation, include (average hourly salary): Registered Nursing - $32.18, Construction Technology - $28.32, Electrical Trades - $27.81, Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement – $26.80, and Welding and Fabrication - $26.32.
“The age of technical education has arrived. It is a fantastic time to be a technical college student. There are many career opportunities for our graduates, they are being hired, and they are earning great pay right away as this report reflects,” Dr. Bolman said. “Upon graduation, our graduates can work about anywhere they choose in the U.S. as they have the skills to fill high-demand careers.”
Purpose of the Graduate Outcome Report
The Graduate Outcome Report evaluates technical college graduate outcomes after completing one or more credentials. Credentials include credit-bearing certificates, diplomas, and associate of applied science degrees.
Graduate outcomes are a key performance indicator of the South Dakota Technical College System, enabling campus and system leaders to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of academic programs. Additionally, graduate outcomes enable students to evaluate the return on investment of postsecondary education by career cluster (industry) and by program.
Methodology
Each technical college gathers placement data through graduate surveys, faculty-collected outreach, and phone surveys starting six months after graduation. South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation data may also be used for supplementation and/or validation.
* Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code. The Western Dakota Technical College 2023 Placement Report had 353 respondents out of 399 graduates surveyed.
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WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
WDTC offers nearly 40 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
Ninety-nine percent of Western Dakota Technical College's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military per the WDTC 2023 Placement Report. There were 353 respondents out of 399 graduates surveyed. [Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
Western Dakota Technical College faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, Western Dakota Tech students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about WDTC, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to Admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
