Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Western Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 3,434 students in La Crosse, WI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $25,442 place Western Technical College below the $36,448 national median for Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 40.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions's career paths, with 30% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 31% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $17,454 represents roughly 8 months of the $25,442 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #55 of 61 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs, Western Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $25,442 to $35,912 over five years — a 41% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions 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% |
About Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Careers
Your career in this field is about direct human impact. As a psychiatric technician, one of the fastest-growing roles, you’ll work in hospitals or residential centers, monitoring patients, assisting with daily activities, and de-escalating crises. Or you might become a social worker, meeting with families in their homes or schools to connect them with vital services like housing or food assistance, or working in a hospital to help patients navigate complex healthcare decisions. Your initial roles may involve assisting senior staff, with earnings starting in the $40,000s.
Read the full Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions career guide →
Compare & Explore
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Overview
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Other Majors at Western Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.