At $4,812/yr net price, American Samoa Community College graduates earn $30,087/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,812 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,087/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,913/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,879/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,811/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,989/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,439/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,560/yr |
The Risk Factor
47.7% of students at American Samoa Community College 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
American Samoa Community College costs you under $5,000 a year, and that low price is the strongest part of the financial case. Ten years out, median earnings sit around $30,000. That gap between what you pay and what you might later earn is narrow, which keeps your downside limited even if the payoff is modest.
The graduation rate near 48% is the first risk. Almost half of students don't finish, and if you leave without a credential you carry whatever debt you took on with none of the earnings bump a completed degree brings. The low sticker price softens this, but it doesn't erase it.
The second risk is geographic. Earnings here reflect American Samoa's small, isolated job market. If you plan to stay on the island, that $30,000 figure is a realistic ceiling for many roles. If you plan to move to the mainland, your outcomes depend heavily on the field you enter, and the local numbers won't predict them.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point you toward which majors here pay off and which don't. Choose a field with a clear licensing or transfer path if you want your credits to travel.
On price by income, families earning under $110,000 all pay roughly $4,000 to $5,000, so aid flattens the cost across most of the income range. If your family earns over $110,000, your net price nearly doubles to about $8,560, which is still low in absolute terms.
This school fits you if you want an affordable local entry point and plan to finish, ideally transferring onward. Look elsewhere if you need a degree tied to specific high-earning careers, since the earnings data here caps out well below mainland four-year averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Samoa Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,812 per year and graduates earning $30,087 annually after 10 years, American Samoa Community College offers relatively affordable education. However, the 48% graduation rate means over half of students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for American Samoa Community College?
Graduates earn about $30,000 annually 10 years after enrollment, which is low compared to mainland community colleges. The low cost helps offset weak earning potential, but career prospects remain limited.
Do American Samoa Community College graduates struggle with debt?
The annual cost of $4,812 keeps debt levels manageable compared to four-year institutions. Most students can complete programs without taking on significant loans.
Which programs at American Samoa Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing and health-related programs typically offer the strongest employment opportunities in American Samoa's limited job market. Business and education programs may require relocation to the mainland for better career options.