Trade and career programs at Minnesota West Community and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 296 | n/a | $69,014 | $16,250 |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 62 | $50,948 | $54,690 | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 40 | $53,862 | $79,845 | $9,500 |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 30 | $23,787 | $27,683 | $10,388 |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 27 | $52,631 | n/a | $10,500 |
| Welding | Certificate | 26 | $39,582 | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Certificate | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 16 | n/a | $63,073 | $13,000 |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Associate degree | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Plumbing | Certificate | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Minnesota West Community and Technical College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $6,741 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $19,091 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $11,331 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $7,847 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $9,327 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $10,079 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $15,805 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,938 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 60% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 68% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $45,979 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $10,500 in federal student loans.
- 18% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Minnesota West Community and Technical College cost?
Tuition and fees are $6,741 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $11,331 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Minnesota West Community and Technical College?
60% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do Minnesota West Community and Technical College graduates earn?
Electrician certificate graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $53,862 one year after finishing.
Is Minnesota West Community and Technical College accredited?
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Rasmussen University-Minnesota, St. Cloud: $11,843 a year
- Century College, White Bear Lake: $6,535 a year
- Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis: $6,396 a year
- Saint Paul College, Saint Paul: $6,556 a year
- Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park: $7,069 a year
- Riverland Community College, Austin: $6,576 a year
More: all trade schools in Minnesota · Minnesota West Community and Technical College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.