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Business Administration at Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD · Public · Associate Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations

with a smaller student body of 733 in Rapid City, SD.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,503 place Western Dakota Technical College below the $35,542 national median for Business Administration — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 25.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Business Administration carry above-average AI exposure (47% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $20,000 against $24,503/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #422 ranking among 455 Business Administration programs places Western Dakota Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,503-to-$43,025 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 28 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business Administration reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
58
Score
60
High End
Earnings $24,503/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$430K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
26.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
42 of 42
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition
$16,016
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,025
76% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business Administration graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chief executives $206,420 +4.3% 44%
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Chief executives
$206,420
+4.3% growth 44% AI-proof
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 42 career paths with full salary data →

Business Administration Career Guide

Explore what Business Administration graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 455 programs nationwide.

Read the full Business Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration Overview

View all 455 schools offering Business Administration →

Business Administration at Other Schools

University of Georgia ($77,610) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($74,402) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($74,402) Purdue University-Main Campus ($71,977) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($66,278) Northcentral Technical College ($60,405) William Rainey Harper College ($59,982) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($58,087)

Other Majors at Western Dakota Technical College

Allied Health Professions ($54,737) Clinical Laboratory Science ($46,378) Precision Metalworking ($44,614) Practical Nursing ($43,884) Electrical Installation ($41,303) Computer Networking ($40,418) Vehicle Repair Technology ($38,031) Precision Metalworking ($37,717)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Business Administration degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Business Administration at Western Dakota Technical College?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business Administration is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How vulnerable is Business Administration to AI automation?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Western Dakota Technical College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Western Dakota Technical College a good choice for Business Administration despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Business Administration graduates?
If Western Dakota Technical College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 28 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Business Administration. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Business Administration workers?
The career paths mapped to Business Administration have roughly 1,753,300 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →