News and Events

Michael Seymour, President, Alexandria Technical & Community College
Printed in the Echo Press as In the Know: Good news about job placement rates

A 2023 survey published in ACCT’s Trustee Quarterly magazine commented on the public’s growing skepticism surrounding higher education, and questions about the value of post-secondary education at a variety of levels. According to the survey, 85% of Americans think community colleges are worth the cost, compared to 66% who believe the same about public four-year institutions. The confidence score dips even lower for commercial or profit-driven universities.

Public skepticism of the value of higher education can stem from several factors. Students and their families worry about whether the financial investment and potential for student loan debt will pay off in terms of job opportunities and earning potential. Some feel that college curricula can be outdated or not aligned with the skills needed in today’s job market, leaving graduates ill-prepared for real-world challenges. And widespread stories of graduates struggling to find jobs in their fields or facing underemployment add to uncertainty about the value of a degree.

But if you ask our graduates, you’ll likely get a very different answer. Our long-standing, respectable 98% related job placement rate increased to 99.2% for 2023 graduates, the highest in the Minnesota State system. And per the U.S. Department of Education’s college scorecard, we have no 2023 graduates that are default of their student loans—2024 data is not yet available. Unfortunately, for students who do not finish, default rates are at the national average of around 7%. It is critical that students finish what they start to avoid digging themselves a big hole early in their adult life.

The total per year cost of an ATCC education is about $18,000 – which includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and room and board. This amount is bought down by federal and state grants and private scholarships. ATCC has the lowest number of federal and state grant fully eligible students in Minnesota State.  Less than half of ATCC students receive any level of grant funding. As a result, 43% of ATCC students rely on loans to pay for college. The median loan debt at graduation is $12,000 with a typical loan payment of $127 per month for 10 years. These are manageable numbers given the median earnings after graduation for an ATCC graduate is $49,393—22% higher than the midpoint for two-year schools.

The loan amounts would be higher if it wasn’t for the generous private donors to the college. Scholarship giving is at an all-time high with more than $500,000 in scholarships awarded in 2023-24, and many companies are investing in their employees by paying their tuition and fees in exchange for contracted employment. With financial barriers removed, our students can work less and study more, greatly increasing the likelihood of graduation.

“Alexandria Technical & Community College provided me with the education, support and skills to land my dream job following graduation,” said Ellen, a 2023 graduate of ATCC’s Communication Design program. “From instructors with extensive experience relating to my program to the experience I gained from my work study position, I feel Alexandria College gave me everything I needed to succeed.”

With a critical public eye on higher education, college return on investment (ROI) is more important now than ever. Simply put, ROI measures the financial benefits of earning a degree against the expenses involved, like tuition and potential student loans. As students and families weigh their options for higher education, understanding ROI helps them figure out which schools and programs might offer the best bang for their buck.

Historically applied to business decisions, ensuring ROI for students often isn’t a consideration for most colleges. Thankfully, we’re not most colleges. We’ve learned that good ROI can open doors to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and more job security. With many graduates grappling with significant debt, knowing the earning potential of different degrees can lead to smarter choices. But ROI isn’t just about dollars and cents; it also includes personal growth, networking, and skill development that can make a real difference in long-term career satisfaction.

In 2022, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked Return on Investment at 4,500 U.S. Colleges and Universities. This study examined things like earnings, net price, student debt, and graduation rate to calculate ROI. Ten years post-graduation, ROI for Alexandria Technical & Community College graduates ranked in the top 9% of institutions nationally, including public and private universities, and seven of the top 10 Minnesota institutions are public technical and/or community colleges. We also know that ROI goes far beyond the first 10 years. Over a 40-year professional career, Alexandria College graduates outperform those from more than 3,500 other institutions nationally.

At Alexandria Technical & Community College, we take immense pride in our 99% related job placement rate, reflecting our commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today's competitive job market. Our strong industry connections ensure that students have access to internships, networking opportunities, and diverse industry experiences to help them identify their career goals. With a diverse range of programs and a focus on hands-on learning, we prepare our graduates for employment that allows them to pay off their investments in themselves. This exceptional placement rate and starting salaries, not only speaks to the quality of our education but also underscores the dedication of students in their own success, future career prospects, and, ultimately, ROI.

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