Why some figures show "—": The College Scorecard suppresses earnings and debt data for any program where fewer than 30 students completed in a given year — a federal student privacy rule to prevent identifying individuals. Schools with small enrollment or niche programs are most affected. Data updates with each new Scorecard release from the U.S. Department of Education.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Granite Falls, MN. Median federal debt is not reported by the College Scorecard for this school — this occurs when fewer than 30 students complete programs in a given year (the federal student privacy threshold); it does not mean students graduate debt-free. Median year-1 earnings for graduates are $50,677. Median year-2 earnings are $50,677. No complaints are on record in the CFPB database. PlumbSquare's rating as of May 2026: PASS. For context, BLS OEWS 2025 data shows median hourly wages in Duluth, MN-WI are: electricians $39.76/hr, plumbers $40.89/hr, HVAC technicians $36.4/hr.
The Verdict.
Verdict is based on College Scorecard debt-to-earnings ratio and CFPB complaint volume. Schools with median debt exceeding 80% of year-1 earnings, or with significant consumer complaint history, are rated FAIL. Schools where data is incomplete are rated ZONE pending more complete pipeline data.
The Numbers.
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median federal debt | Not available | College Scorecard — median at graduation |
| Median earnings — Year 1 | $50,677 | College Scorecard post-completion earnings |
| Median earnings — Year 2 | $50,677 | Scorecard 2-yr post-completion median |
| CFPB complaints | None on record | CFPB Consumer Complaint Database |
- Total cost
- $6,000
- Debt at completion
- $0–$4K (Pell eligible)
- Accreditation
- Regional
- 3-yr default rate
- <4%
- Total cost
- $0
- Debt at completion
- $0
- Income while learning
- $44,000/yr
- Employer recognition
- Full — nationwide
Sources: College Scorecard (U.S. Dept. of Education), CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Community college cost estimate based on national NCES average for vocational certificates at public 2-year institutions. Union apprentice income based on IBEW/UA mid-market Year 1 rates.
Programs Offered.
| Program | Credential | Year-2 Earnings | Median Debt | Completions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Carpenters. CIP 4602 | Certificate <1yr | No data | No data | 9 |
Carpenters. CIP 4602 | Certificate 1-2yr | No data | No data | 0 |
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. CIP 4603 | Certificate <1yr | $44,998 | No data | 59 |
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. CIP 4603 | Certificate 1-2yr | $50,677 | No data | 32 |
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. CIP 4605 | Certificate <1yr | No data | No data | 4 |
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians. CIP 4701 | Certificate <1yr | No data | No data | 1 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). CIP 4702 | Certificate <1yr | No data | No data | 0 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). CIP 4702 | Certificate 1-2yr | No data | No data | 0 |
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians. CIP 4706 | Certificate <1yr | $33,565 | No data | 17 |
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians. CIP 4706 | Certificate 1-2yr | No data | No data | 1 |
Precision Metal Working. CIP 4805 | Certificate <1yr | No data | No data | 35 |
Precision Metal Working. CIP 4805 | Certificate 1-2yr | No data | No data | 0 |
Alternatives.
IBEW (electrical), UA (plumbing/pipefitting/HVAC), SMART (sheet metal), and other union JATCs run DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. You earn $18–$28/hr from day one. You graduate with zero debt and a journeyman card recognized by every employer in the country. They are competitive to get into — apply to multiple locals.
Find your trade →Public community colleges offer the same trade programs for $4,000–$8,000 total — often $0 out-of-pocket with Pell grants and state workforce funding. Regional accreditation means your credits are real. The main downside: waitlists of 6–18 months at popular programs. That wait is worth it.
Search your state's community college system at nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
Honest caveat on union apprenticeships:They are harder to get into than a for-profit school. Union locals have application windows, waiting lists of their own, and competitive selection processes. Some have political connections. If you don't get in the first time, apply again. The process is worth understanding before you default to a for-profit program because it said “enroll now.”
Common Questions.
How much student debt do Minnesota West Community and Technical College graduates have?
The College Scorecard does not publish median debt for this school. This happens when fewer than 30 students complete programs in a given year — a federal student privacy threshold. It does not mean students graduate debt-free; it means the data is suppressed.
What do graduates earn after completing?
College Scorecard data shows a median of $50,677 in year-1 post-completion, and $50,677 in year-2. Compare this against the median debt figure — the ratio tells you whether this school's training delivers a return.
Is Minnesota West Community and Technical College worth the cost?
PlumbSquare rates this school PASS based on College Scorecard debt-to-earnings data and CFPB complaint volume. The financial profile is acceptable. Still compare against free alternatives before signing enrollment documents.
What free alternatives exist for trade training in MN?
Union apprenticeship programs — IBEW (electrical), UA (plumbing, HVAC, pipefitting), SMART (sheet metal), UBC (carpentry) — are free to attend, pay $18–$28/hr starting wages, and result in zero debt. You earn a journeyman card recognized by every employer in the country. Community colleges offer the same trade certifications for $4,000–$8,000 total, often $0 out-of-pocket with Pell grants and state workforce funding. Both paths require an application and may have waiting periods. Both are worth waiting for over signing $15–$40K in debt for a for-profit certificate.