Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Western Dakota Technical College
Set near the Black Hills, Western Dakota Technical College is known for hands-on learning that sticks. Classes focus on real tools, real problems, and clear skills across the skilled trades, health, technology, business, and public service. Labs and shop spaces mirror the pace of the workplace, and instructors bring know-how from the field. The result feels practical and grounded, the kind of education you can take straight to a job site or a clinic.
Students find tutoring, advising, and career coaching, plus simulated spaces and quiet corners when they need to buckle down. Campus life leans friendly and get-it-done, with clubs, skills teams, and service projects that pull people together. Many students balance classes with work, and the college leans into that. And when the books close, the Black Hills open up with trails, lakes, and wide skies. Career prep runs through everything here, from employer visits and job fairs to work-based learning with regional partners. Rapid City adds an arts scene and small-business energy, giving students places to learn, network, and pitch in.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) offers 34 degree programs across 10 major academic fields, graduating approximately 311 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (11 programs, 137 graduates), Business (7 programs, 37 graduates), Production (2 programs, 32 graduates), Mechanics (3 programs, 26 graduates) and Computer & IT (1 programs, 25 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (11 programs, 137 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 54 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Registered Nursing | 34 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Dental Assisting | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0601 |
| Surgical Technology | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0909 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
51.1004 |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 7 |
|
Other Award
|
51.1009 |
| Medical Insurance Coding | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0713 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0904 |
| Medical Receptionist | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0712 |
| Medical Assistant | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0801 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.1099 |
Business (7 programs, 37 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0302 |
| Accounting | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0301 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
| Hospitality Management | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0909 |
| Digital Marketing | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1404 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0401 |
Production (2 programs, 32 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 25 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0508 |
| Machine Tool Technology | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0501 |
Mechanics (3 programs, 26 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Mechanics Technology | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0605 |
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0604 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0201 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 25 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 25 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11.0901 |
Construction (3 programs, 24 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
46.0302 |
| Plumbing Technology | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
46.0503 |
| Building Construction Technology | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
46.0415 |
Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 16 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drafting and Design Technology | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1301 |
| Automation Engineer Technology | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0406 |
| Environmental Engineering Technology | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0507 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 9 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0104 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0107 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 4 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat Cutting | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12.0506 |
Library Science (1 programs, 1 graduates)
Information Management, Library Systems and Data Organization
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Library and Archives Assistance | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
25.0301 |
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 Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC)
How much does it cost to attend Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC)?
The annual tuition at Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is $8,008 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,008 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,300 (on) / $11,700 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.
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 Western Dakota Technical College offer?
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) offers 34 academic programs across 10 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (11 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (3 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 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 Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,222 and average loans of $6,755.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,894
- State/Local grants: $4,538
- Institutional grants: $2,421
- Federal loans: $6,148
The university supports 99 students with grants and 78 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 Western Dakota Technical College graduates?
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) graduates earn a median salary of $36,971 after 6 years and $40,240 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $24,996 (25th percentile) to $57,287 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,200 (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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