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Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is a notable public community college located in Watertown, South Dakota. Established in 1965, it holds the distinction of being the first technical school in the state. You might be interested in the diverse range of programs it offers, which totals more than 30, including 12 that are available as online E-Degrees.


Overview of Lake Area Technical College (LATC)


With enrollment around 2,200 students in recent years, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) provides a robust education system that caters to a wide expanse of technical fields. The campus spans 40 acres and serves a large area, ensuring it is a cornerstone of educational opportunity in the region.

If you choose to attend here, you can choose from its several on-campus and online programs that cover various career-focused disciplines. The school's dedication to offering superior, comprehensive technical education is evident in its mission to change lives and foster career readiness among its graduates. Over the years, LATC has expanded not only in terms of the physical campus but also in its program offerings and technological advancements. The college now serves an area of 18,000 square miles. With a focus on both technical and general education, your experience at LATC is crafted to ensure a comprehensive learning journey.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Town: Remote
Campus Housing No
Student Faculty Ratio 17:1
Graduation Rate 68%
Year Founded 1965

Student Enrollment


Total Students2,217

Undergraduate
2,217
Graduate
0

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,131
1,131
Female 1,086
1,086

Graduate Student

Male 0
0
Female 0
0

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LATC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONSN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

ACCEPTANCEN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

Acceptance RateN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

Enrollment N/A

Male N/A
Female N/A
Admissions
Application Fee $25
High School GPA N/A
High School Rank N/A
High School Transcripts N/A
College Prep Courses N/A
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT N/A
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) N/A
Application Deadline N/A
Common Application Accepted N/A

LATC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


At Lake Area Technical College, you will find that your education is an investment with clear costs. The standard tuition rate is $124 per credit hour. However, for specific programs, there may be additional fees associated with your coursework. To fully understand your financial commitment, look at the program pages on the college's website, where you can find detailed breakdowns of costs. In the 2023-24 academic year - first-year, in-state students paid an average of $6,718 in tuition. Books and supplies were estimated to cost $1,200, while off-campus housing was around $9,000.

When considering how to fund your education, it's important to review the financial aid possibilities available to you. The college's Financial Aid Office is responsible for processing FAFSA applications. If you've applied for financial aid for the upcoming school year, you can expect to receive your Financial Aid Offer between mid-April and the end of May. The FAFSA can give you access to grants, scholarships, and student loans, among other options.

Approximately 99% of undergraduates at Lake Area Technical College receive grant or scholarship aid, and the average award is $4,149. Considering financial aid, the net price for your education can be significantly reduced from the sticker price, that is, the cost you pay out-of-pocket after financial aid is applied. In the 2021-22 academic year, the net price averaged $12,735 for total costs after aid.

Average net price Current Year
Net Price $12,075
Average Total Aid $3,506
Students Receiving Financial Aid 93%
Room & Board $7,130

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $6,862
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $6,862
  • Books and Supplies - $1,460
  • Room & Board - $7,130
  • Other - $3,040

Popular Academic Programs at LATC


Lake Area Technical College (LATC) offers a variety of program options catering to the academic and skill development needs of its students. Your options for undergraduate studies at LATC comprise a diverse range of technical disciplines, with 31 program options available.

Popular majors include:

  • Agricultural Business
  • Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN)
  • Marketing

These programs blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring you are job-ready upon graduation.

LATC also provides online educational opportunities to meet your lifestyle and learning preferences. These offerings are designed for flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments. Courses leverage digital platforms for both synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.

Student Population Total


Student Population 2,217

Undergraduate
2,217
Graduate
0
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Majors N/A

Outcome & Salary


Lake Area Technical College (LATC) provides strong employment prospects and scholarship support, with notable income statistics for graduates in the years following enrollment. While you're completing your studies at LATC, you'll find that a large percentage of students contribute to the workforce.

It is reported that:

  • 75% of students are employed part-time or full-time during their studies.
  • A substantial amount of over $450,000 in scholarships is awarded by the Lake Area Tech Foundation to support students financially.

Upon graduation from LATC, your potential earnings are:

  • Average earnings 6 years after enrollment: $32,400 per year
  • Average earnings 10 years after enrollment: $37,800 per year

This means that, in the decade following your enrollment, if you are working and no longer in school, you can expect:

  • An average income that is 10% higher than the national median.
  • A 93% employment rate, reflecting the high likelihood of finding a job post-graduation.
Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary N/A
College Grads Average Salary $36,900
College Grads Mid Career Salary N/A
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $369,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential N/A
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $48,300
10 Year Projected ROI $320,700
20 Year Projected ROI N/A
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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