Nursing at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a compact campus enrolling 1,277 students in Fennimore, WI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $61,748/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 74.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $61,748 far exceeding the $10,125 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #573 of 947 Nursing programs, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $70,241 are relatively flat compared to the $61,748 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

81 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
75
Low End
81
Score
82
High End
Earnings $61,748/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$717K
3.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
74.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
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)
$9,592
Out-of-state: $13,978
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,125
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,241
14% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

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

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
This program scores 81/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI affect Nursing careers?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
Median debt of just $10,125 against $61,748/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
If Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Nursing graduates from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College find jobs?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. Southwest Wisconsin 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 →