Lake Area Technical College (LATC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Lake Area Technical College (LATC) offers 29 degree programs across 12 major academic fields, graduating approximately 819 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (9 programs, 245 graduates), Mechanics (4 programs, 159 graduates), Agriculture (1 programs, 87 graduates), Business (2 programs, 85 graduates) and Production (2 programs, 64 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (9 programs, 245 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 94 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
|
51.3901 |
| Registered Nursing | 47 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Dental Assisting | 26 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0601 |
| Community Health Counseling | 25 |
|
Other Award
|
51.1504 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 17 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
51.1004 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
|
51.0904 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0803 |
| Medical Assistant | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
Mechanics (4 programs, 159 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Mechanics Technology | 92 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0605 |
| Autobody and Collision Repair Technology | 26 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0603 |
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 24 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0604 |
| Aircraft Powerplant Technology | 17 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0608 |
Agriculture (1 programs, 87 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management | 87 |
|
Associate's
|
01.0101 |
Business (2 programs, 85 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Management | 66 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1401 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0803 |
Production (2 programs, 64 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 55 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0508 |
| Machine Tool Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
48.0501 |
Eng. Technologies (4 programs, 43 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotics Technology | 18 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0405 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0303 |
| Construction Engineering Technology | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
15.1001 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0613 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 35 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 35 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12.0401 |
Transportation (2 programs, 34 graduates)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Operation | 29 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
49.0202 |
| Airline and Commercial Pilot | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
49.0102 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 28 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 28 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0701 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 18 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0107 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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 29 academic programs across 12 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 (9 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (4 programs)
- Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (1 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.