Design and Applied Arts at Western Technical College

Western Technical College's Design and Applied Arts program starts graduates at just $23,000—well below both Wisconsin's median of $29,700 and the national average of $27,800. That's a concerning $6,700 gap compared to other Wisconsin programs in the same field, placing this program in the bottom quarter statewide. For comparison, Fox Valley Technical College's graduates earn $32,673 right out of the gate, while Waukesha County graduates start near $40,000.

The silver lining is substantial earnings growth: graduates see their income jump 39% by year four, reaching $32,000. That's solid momentum and suggests the program may provide foundational skills that gain value with experience. The debt load of $12,000 is manageable—lower than both state and national medians—which means graduates aren't drowning financially during those lean early years.

However, even after four years of growth, earnings only reach what other Wisconsin programs deliver immediately. If your student can access one of the stronger technical colleges in the state, the data suggests they'll get a better return. If Western Tech is the most convenient option, the low debt means this program won't trap them financially, but be prepared for a slower financial start than the field typically offers.