At $10,107/yr net price, Allegany College of Maryland graduates earn $38,476/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,476/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,107 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,476/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,476/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,702 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,331/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,364/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,304/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,989/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,882/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,253 | $16,551 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,905 | $12,173 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | $16,375 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $23,803 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $22,841 | $11,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,796 | $11,879 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $22,329 | $16,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.8% of students at Allegany College of Maryland graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Allegany College of Maryland delivers strong financial returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes across most other programs. The nursing program stands out with $59,253 median earnings that justify the $16,551 debt load, while dental support services also provide solid career prospects without published debt figures.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. Healthcare majors like nursing, dental support, and medical assisting generate earnings well above the overall median of $38,476, creating clear pathways to middle-class incomes. Management information systems, however, produces disappointing $30,409 earnings that barely cover the cost of attendance over time.
The 44.80% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. You face nearly even odds of completing your degree, and dropping out with debt creates the worst possible financial outcome. The low 30.29% financial aid rate suggests limited grant money available, meaning most students pay closer to the full $10,107 annual cost.
This school works financially if you enter with clear healthcare career goals and complete your program. The nursing program particularly offers excellent value compared to four-year alternatives. However, students exploring general education or unsure about career direction face poor financial prospects given the low completion rates and limited earning potential outside healthcare fields.
Your best strategy involves choosing healthcare programs with proven job placement records in the Cumberland area and surrounding regions. The relatively low median debt of $13,702 keeps financial risk manageable for successful graduates, but only if you finish your degree and enter a field with decent local demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allegany College of Maryland worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,107 and median debt of $13,702, Allegany College of Maryland offers reasonable affordability. However, the 10-year median earnings of $38,476 are modest, making value heavily dependent on your chosen program.
What programs at Allegany College of Maryland have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with $59,253 median earnings, followed by dental support services at $51,482. These healthcare programs justify the cost better than general programs, which may leave graduates earning around $30,000-40,000.
What is the graduation rate at Allegany College of Maryland?
Only 44.8% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This completion rate increases the risk that students accumulate debt without earning a credential.
How much debt do Allegany College of Maryland graduates typically have?
The median debt is $13,702, which is manageable for most two-year programs. Given the relatively low net price, students who complete healthcare programs can typically handle this debt load with their higher earning potential.