Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Northwood Technical College

The limited data available for Northwood Technical College's mental health services program raises questions that should concern any parent. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, the earnings tell a story that needs careful consideration: graduates start at just $25,557—well below Wisconsin's state median of $30,288 and trailing most other Wisconsin technical colleges offering this program. While earnings do grow to $38,435 by year four, that initial year is financially challenging, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally.

The bright spot here is the debt load of $11,518, substantially lower than both the state ($19,902) and national ($19,132) medians. This makes the first year more manageable despite the low earnings, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 meaning debt represents less than half of that first year's income. However, when Fox Valley Technical College graduates earn $43,548 in the same field—70% more than Northwood grads—and Milwaukee Area grads earn $37,325, the question becomes whether the lower debt justifies significantly lower earning potential.

For families considering this program, understand that you're looking at a tight first year financially, even with modest debt. The small sample size means these numbers could shift considerably with more data. If your student is committed to this field and wants to stay in the Rice Lake area, the low debt provides a safety net. But if career earnings matter more, exploring programs at Fox Valley or Milwaukee Area might be worth the additional debt and relocation costs.