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Lake Area Technical College (LATC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Lake Area Technical College

Set in South Dakota lake country, Lake Area Technical College is known for hands-on learning and a practical, no-nonsense approach. Academics tilt toward applied fields like technology, health, business, agriculture, and skilled trades, with instructors who bring real workplace experience. Classes emphasize problem solving and teamwork, so students get comfortable moving from classroom to shop floor to lab without missing a beat.

The campus features industry-style labs, collaborative maker spaces, a welcoming student commons, and the usual go-tos like advising, tutoring, and career coaching. Student life feels close-knit, with clubs, service projects, and plenty of outdoor time around nearby lakes when the weather cooperates. Career prep runs deep through employer visits, job fairs, and project showcases that draw local partners. The vibe is friendly and grounded, shaped by a community that values hard work, straight talk, and graduates who can hit the ground running.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1201 Arrow Avenue, Watertown, South Dakota, 57201, USA
Phone: +1 (605) 882-5284
Website: lakeareatech.edu
Unit ID: 219143

Academic & Institutional

Control: Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Associate's - High Career & Technical, Traditional
Campus Setting: Located in a remote town (35+ miles from urbanized area)
Tuition: In-state: $6,718 (Tuition $3,720 + Fee $2,998) · Out-of-state: $6,718 (Tuition $3,720 + Fee $2,998)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 2,179
Undergraduate: 1,710
Graduate/Other: 469
Male: 1,133 Female: 1,046
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 240 Full-time: 196 Part-time: 44

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in South Dakota. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in South Dakota vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Health (13)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601 Dental Assisting/Assistant. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $92,020 -$45,880 (-33.3%)
31-9091 Dental Assistants $48,860 $46,480 -$2,380 (-4.9%)
51.0801 Medical/Clinical Assistant. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid. Includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; medical law and ethics; patient psychology and communications; medical office procedures; and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $92,020 -$45,880 (-33.3%)
31-9092 Medical Assistants $44,720 $39,070 -$5,650 (-12.6%)
51.0803 Occupational Therapist Assistant. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of occupational therapists, to direct patient participation in skill-enhancing, learning, and motivational tasks; correct or diminish pathologies; and to provide direct health education and promotion services. Includes instruction in human life span development, occupational therapy principles and practice skills, treatment planning and implementation, record-keeping and documentation, patient education and intervention, activity and program direction, and assistive services management.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $92,020 -$45,880 (-33.3%)
31-2011 Occupational Therapy Assistants $68,540 $49,180 -$19,360 (-28.2%)
51.0806 Physical Therapy Assistant. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of a physical therapist, to implement physical therapy treatment care plans, train patients, conduct treatment interventions, use equipment, and observe and record patient progress. Includes instruction in applied anatomy and physiology, behavioral sciences, biomechanics, clinical documentation, clinical pathology, communication, exercise physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, and professional standards and ethics.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
31-2021 Physical Therapist Assistants $67,160 $51,370 -$15,790 (-23.5%)
51.0904 Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostBac)
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $92,020 -$45,880 (-33.3%)
29-2042 Emergency Medical Technicians $44,790 $40,390 -$4,400 (-9.8%)
29-2043 Paramedics $60,610 $48,130 -$12,480 (-20.6%)
51.1004 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists, to perform routine medical laboratory procedures and tests and to apply preset strategies to record and analyze data. Includes instruction in general laboratory procedures and skills; laboratory mathematics; medical computer applications; interpersonal and communications skills; and the basic principles of hematology, medical microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $92,020 -$45,880 (-33.3%)
29-2012 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians N/A N/A N/A
51.1504 Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to serve as facilitators, advocates, and referral professionals linking health care and related social services with affected recipient communities. Includes instruction in public and community health, human and social services, health services administration, group counseling, health education, group advocacy, cross-cultural and multilingual communication, and applicable laws and policies.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
21-1091 Health Education Specialists $71,700 $57,710 -$13,990 (-19.5%)
21-1094 Community Health Workers $55,970 $52,680 -$3,290 (-5.9%)
51.3801 Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. (Cert<2y)
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
25-1072 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $87,090 $74,100 -$12,990 (-14.9%)
29-1141 Registered Nurses $98,430 $75,490 -$22,940 (-23.3%)
51.3901 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. (Cert<1y, AltPostBac)
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $64,150 $52,820 -$11,330 (-17.7%)
Mechanics (6)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0603 Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. Includes instruction in structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
13-1032 Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $77,050 N/A N/A
49-3021 Automotive Body and Related Repairers $58,830 $53,110 -$5,720 (-9.7%)
49-3022 Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $49,580 N/A N/A
51-9124 Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,610 $50,550 -$1,060 (-2.1%)
47.0604 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
49-2093 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $80,980 N/A N/A
49-2096 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $50,240 N/A N/A
49-3023 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $55,260 $50,810 -$4,450 (-8.1%)
47.0605 Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
49-3031 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $62,480 $55,180 -$7,300 (-11.7%)
47.0608 Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y, Assoc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of aircraft powerplant and related systems. Instruction includes engine inspection and maintenance, lubrication and cooling, electrical and ignition systems, carburetion, fuels and fuel systems, propeller and fan assemblies.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
49-3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $80,780 $76,830 -$3,950 (-4.9%)
51-2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $66,510 N/A N/A
Agriculture (1)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
01.0101 Agricultural Business and Management, General. (Cert<2y)
A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
11-9013 Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $97,240 N/A N/A
25-1041 Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $97,790 $91,720 -$6,070 (-6.2%)
45-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $63,360 $54,670 -$8,690 (-13.7%)
Business (4)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0803 Banking and Financial Support Services. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to perform a wide variety of customer services in banks, insurance agencies, savings and loan companies, and related enterprises. Includes instruction in communications and public relations skills, business equipment operation, and technical skills applicable to the methods and operations of specific financial or insurance services.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
13-2071 Credit Counselors $55,890 $60,750 +$4,860 (+8.7%)
43-3011 Bill and Account Collectors $48,370 $48,150 -$220 (-0.5%)
43-3071 Tellers $40,940 $37,250 -$3,690 (-9%)
43-4041 Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $51,270 $51,720 +$450 (+0.9%)
43-4131 Loan Interviewers and Clerks $51,050 $43,270 -$7,780 (-15.2%)
43-4141 New Accounts Clerks $47,610 N/A N/A
52.1401 Marketing/Marketing Management, General. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
11-2011 Advertising and Promotions Managers $149,270 N/A N/A
11-2021 Marketing Managers $171,520 $162,240 -$9,280 (-5.4%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $116,050 -$44,880 (-27.9%)
11-2033 Fundraising Managers $137,290 N/A N/A
13-1131 Fundraisers $73,130 $73,280 +$150 (+0.2%)
13-1161 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $86,480 $58,640 -$27,840 (-32.2%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $74,070 -$39,770 (-34.9%)
Production (5)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0501 Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
51-4021 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,170 $48,360 +$190 (+0.4%)
51-4022 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,900 $46,460 -$4,440 (-8.7%)
51-4023 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,940 $48,760 -$2,180 (-4.3%)
51-4031 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,060 $45,320 -$1,740 (-3.7%)
51-4032 Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,330 N/A N/A
51-4033 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,600 $38,290 -$8,310 (-17.8%)
51-4034 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,190 N/A N/A
51-4035 Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $52,940 N/A N/A
51-4041 Machinists $57,390 $48,580 -$8,810 (-15.4%)
51-4081 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,590 $45,830 -$2,760 (-5.7%)
51-4191 Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,030 N/A N/A
51-4192 Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $65,770 N/A N/A
51-4199 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $45,850 N/A N/A
48.0508 Welding Technology/Welder. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $55,100 $47,580 -$7,520 (-13.6%)
51-4122 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,270 $52,940 +$3,670 (+7.4%)
Eng. Technologies (4)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0303 Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. Includes instruction in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing, systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
17-3012 Electrical and Electronics Drafters $77,960 $56,250 -$21,710 (-27.8%)
17-3021 Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $86,330 N/A N/A
17-3023 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $78,580 $58,220 -$20,360 (-25.9%)
17-3024 Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $75,710 N/A N/A
17-3028 Calibration Technologists and Technicians $71,080 N/A N/A
49-2095 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $97,460 $102,710 +$5,250 (+5.4%)
15.0405 Robotics Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using robots. Includes instruction in the principles of robotics, design and operational testing, system maintenance and repair procedures, robot computer systems and control language, specific system types and applications to specific industrial tasks, and report preparation.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
17-3024 Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $75,710 N/A N/A
15.0613 Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the identification and resolution of production problems in the manufacture of products. Includes instruction in machine operations, production line operations, engineering analysis, systems analysis, instrumentation, physical controls, automation, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), manufacturing planning, quality control, and informational infrastructure.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
17-3026 Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $69,780 $55,520 -$14,260 (-20.4%)
15.1001 Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and related structures. Includes instruction in basic structural engineering principles and construction techniques, building site inspection, site supervision, construction personnel supervision, plan and specification interpretation, supply logistics and procurement, applicable building codes, and report preparation.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $135,410 +$15,750 (+13.2%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $78,120 -$5,040 (-6.1%)
17-3022 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $68,450 $58,150 -$10,300 (-15%)
Personal Services (1)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401 Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. (Cert<1y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. Includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
39-5012 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,460 $52,470 +$9,010 (+20.7%)
39-5091 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance $75,410 N/A N/A
39-5092 Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,910 $42,090 +$5,180 (+14%)
39-5093 Shampooers $30,830 N/A N/A
39-5094 Skincare Specialists $48,670 $32,850 -$15,820 (-32.5%)
Transportation (3)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
49.0102 Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the flying and/or navigation of commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate and rescue fixed wing aircraft. Includes instruction in principles of aircraft design and performance, aircraft flight systems and controls, flight crew operations and procedures, radio communications, navigation procedures and systems, airways safety and traffic regulations, and governmental rules and regulations pertaining to piloting aircraft. Programs may qualify individuals to sit for the FAA commercial and airline aircrew examinations.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
53-2011 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $280,570 N/A N/A
53-2012 Commercial Pilots $142,960 $81,630 -$61,330 (-42.9%)
49.0202 Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, such as a crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks. Includes instruction in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, and backfiling, clearing and excavating.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
45-4022 Logging Equipment Operators $52,020 $56,420 +$4,400 (+8.5%)
47-2071 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $58,660 $58,700 +$40 (+0.1%)
47-2072 Pile Driver Operators $79,000 N/A N/A
47-2073 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $65,180 $52,630 -$12,550 (-19.3%)
47-4051 Highway Maintenance Workers $51,410 $45,820 -$5,590 (-10.9%)
47-4061 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $68,270 $65,260 -$3,010 (-4.4%)
47-5022 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $57,860 $55,890 -$1,970 (-3.4%)
47-5023 Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $63,260 $56,890 -$6,370 (-10.1%)
47-5032 Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $66,840 $68,020 +$1,180 (+1.8%)
47-5041 Continuous Mining Machine Operators $63,920 N/A N/A
47-5049 Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other $67,830 N/A N/A
47-5099 Extraction Workers, All Other $54,780 N/A N/A
53-7021 Crane and Tower Operators $71,560 $69,740 -$1,820 (-2.5%)
53-7031 Dredge Operators $55,820 N/A N/A
53-7041 Hoist and Winch Operators $64,070 N/A N/A
53-7199 Material Moving Workers, All Other $46,650 N/A N/A
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0701 Computer Science. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $158,210 -$29,780 (-15.8%)
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $103,450 -$24,280 (-19%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 N/A N/A
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $48,090 -$31,520 (-39.6%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $121,220 -$21,400 (-15%)
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $69,960 -$33,680 (-32.5%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $94,550 -$50,020 (-34.6%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $69,290 -$40,970 (-37.2%)
15-1254 Web Developers $98,790 $47,210 -$51,580 (-52.2%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $89,440 -$22,010 (-19.7%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $95,890 -$20,810 (-17.8%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $96,490 -$28,100 (-22.6%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $79,010 -$26,820 (-25.3%)
Public Services (2)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
44.0000 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Instructional programs that prepare individuals to analyze, manage, and deliver public programs and services.

Graduate Career Earnings in South Dakota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National South Dakota Avg SD vs US
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $88,070 +$1,970 (+2.3%)
21-1093 Social and Human Service Assistants $47,090 $40,250 -$6,840 (-14.5%)
21-1099 Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $58,360 N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$7,918
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$7,918
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,718
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,718
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$9,000 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,750 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,750
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

27%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$5,615
Avg. Loan
$6,124
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,106
Additional
Students with Any Grant
342
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
499
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
207
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$3,549
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$29,962 – $62,719
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$29,962 (25th %) $62,719 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $45,473
Median Salary After 6 Years
$43,659
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$45,473
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
71.2%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
82.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$12,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 58.9%
Middle 79.8%
High 80.2%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 80.2%
Independent 51.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Lake Area Technical College (LATC)

How much does it cost to attend Lake Area Technical College (LATC)?

The annual tuition at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is $6,718 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $7,918 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,000 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Lake Area Technical College offer?

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) offers 50 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (13 programs)
  • Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (6 programs)
  • Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (5 programs)
  • Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (4 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Lake Area Technical College?

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) provides financial aid to 27% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,615 and average loans of $6,124.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,133
  • State/Local grants: $2,955
  • Institutional grants: $3,549
  • Federal loans: $5,106

The university supports 342 students with grants and 499 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Lake Area Technical College graduates?

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) graduates earn a median salary of $43,659 after 6 years and $45,473 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $29,962 (25th percentile) to $62,719 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $64,100 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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