Mental Health Services at Northwood Technical College

Rice Lake, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 2,026 in Rice Lake, WI.

Program Analysis

At $25,557 per year, Mental Health Services graduates from Northwood Technical College earn below the $36,448 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 46.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 37% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mental Health Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $9,819 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #52 ranking among 61 Mental Health Services programs places Northwood Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,557-to-$38,710 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mental Health Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $25,557/yr (-30% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (70% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (200,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$426K
10.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
17 of 17
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,048
Out-of-state: $13,166
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,819
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,710
51% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mental Health Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Genetic counselors $98,910 +9.3% 50%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $95,830 +11.2% 63%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Genetic counselors
$98,910
+9.3% growth 50% AI-proof
Clinical and counseling psychologists
$95,830
+11.2% growth 63% AI-proof

View all 17 career paths with full salary data →

Mental Health Services Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Mental Health Services careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Mental Health Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mental Health Services Overview

Mental Health Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northwood Technical College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northwood Technical College's Mental Health Services program score?
A score of 53/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Northwood Technical College trails the majority of Mental Health Services programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Can you still earn well with Mental Health Services from Northwood Technical College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northwood Technical College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Mental Health Services graduates?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Mental Health Services career paths, including Behavioral Health Aide (Existing Title: Counselor). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Northwood Technical College.
How could AI change the job market for Mental Health Services graduates?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 37% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
What's the job market like for Mental Health Services from Northwood Technical College?
At 200,600 annual openings, Mental Health Services has a very large employment base. Northwood Technical College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →