At $11,471/yr net price, Anoka-Ramsey Community College graduates earn $48,342/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,342/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,471 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,884 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,342/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,342/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,013/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,032/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,362/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,995/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,057/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 | $59,268 | $18,169 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,964 | $16,500 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $39,909 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $37,568 | $20,186 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $36,668 | $20,186 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $31,650 | $11,724 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,314 |
The Risk Factor
24.0% of students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, but your program choice determines everything. The nursing program delivers the strongest payoff with graduates earning $59,268 annually against $18,169 in debt. This 3.3-to-1 earnings-to-debt ratio makes nursing your best financial bet at this school.
Business and accounting programs present weaker value propositions. Both carry around $20,000 in debt but produce earnings below $38,000, creating concerning debt-to-income ratios that could strain your budget for years. The allied health and networking programs fall somewhere between, offering moderate returns with more manageable debt loads.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 24% graduation rate. Three out of four students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, this attrition rate should give you pause.
The school works best financially if you can commit fully to nursing or allied health programs and have the academic foundation to complete them. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance beyond federal programs, so factor in paying most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Skip Anoka-Ramsey if you want business training or lack clear career direction. The weak graduation rates and poor returns in business programs make this a risky investment for anything outside healthcare fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anoka-Ramsey Community College worth the cost?
Anoka-Ramsey's $11,471 annual cost is reasonable, but the 24% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't finish. The nursing program offers strong earning potential at $59,268, while other programs typically lead to modest salaries in the $36,000-40,000 range.
What programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing provides the strongest return with median earnings of $59,268 after graduation. Computer networking ($39,909) and allied health programs ($40,964) offer decent prospects, while business and accounting programs typically lead to lower-paying positions.
How much debt do Anoka-Ramsey Community College graduates typically have?
Graduates who borrow money typically owe $13,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 24% of students graduating, many borrowers never complete their programs and struggle to repay loans without a degree.
What are the job prospects after Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
Job prospects depend heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn competitive salaries around $59,000, while most other programs lead to entry-level positions with earnings in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s.