Lake Area Technical College is a public 2-year college in Watertown, South Dakota with 1,812 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $15,278 a year after grants and graduates 76% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Lake Area Technical College acceptance rate and admissions
Lake Area Technical College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Lake Area Technical College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $7,622 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $20,069 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $15,278 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $15,278 a year after grants and scholarships, $4,791 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Lake Area Technical College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Lake Area Technical College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 76% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $48,729 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $11,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 23% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Lake Area Technical College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 143 | $55,690 | $60,763 | $12,000 |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 94 | $47,904 | $56,633 | $11,000 |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 35 | $24,262 | $35,222 | $7,855 |
| Welding | Associate degree | 34 | $52,506 | $51,201 | $11,000 |
| Welding | Certificate | 30 | n/a | $49,693 | $5,500 |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 30 | $39,684 | $43,574 | $12,000 |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 18 | $38,826 | $38,313 | $5,500 |
| Truck driving (CDL) | Certificate | 17 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 16 | n/a | $50,334 | $5,500 |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Associate degree | 13 | $50,088 | $51,402 | n/a |
| Construction trades | Associate degree | 12 | $43,218 | $47,946 | n/a |
| Truck driving (CDL) | Associate degree | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 4 | $56,901 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,812 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 47% women, 53% men
- 16 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Lake Area Technical College?
No. Lake Area Technical College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Lake Area Technical College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $7,622 for in-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $15,278 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Lake Area Technical College?
76% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Lake Area Technical College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $48,729 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in South Dakota · Lake Area Technical College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.