At $9,766/yr net price, Bay de Noc Community College graduates earn $35,090/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,090/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,766 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,090/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,090/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 35.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,618 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,835/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,819/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,695/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,235/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,236/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 | $54,630 | $14,490 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,711 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $31,907 | $12,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,121 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $16,478 |
The Risk Factor
21.4% of students at Bay de Noc 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
Bay de Noc Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with your career prospects heavily dependent on program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating median earnings of $54,630 annually that easily justify the $14,490 debt load. This makes Bay de Noc a smart choice if you can secure admission to nursing.
Outside of nursing, the financial picture weakens considerably. Criminal justice graduates earn $37,208, while precision metal working and practical nursing hover around $33,000. Liberal arts students face particularly challenging economics, earning just $31,907 against $12,000 in debt. The overall 21% graduation rate signals completion risks that could leave you with debt but no credential.
Your financial aid picture looks unusually lean, with only 24% of students receiving aid compared to typical community college rates. This suggests limited grant availability, making Bay de Noc less affordable than comparable schools for low-income students. Merit scholarships appear minimal based on the aid data.
Bay de Noc makes financial sense if you gain nursing admission or need local access to basic career training in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The low net price of $9,766 keeps risk manageable for students committed to completing programs. However, you should consider alternatives if you need extensive financial aid, plan to study liberal arts, or have concerns about the low completion rates. Students seeking diverse program options or stronger overall outcomes will find better value elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bay de Noc Community College worth the money?
Bay de Noc Community College offers reasonable value for specific career programs, particularly nursing, which pays $54,630 annually. However, the 21% graduation rate is concerning, and general studies graduates earn only $31,907 compared to the $9,766 annual cost.
What are the best paying programs at Bay de Noc Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Bay de Noc Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $54,630 annually. Criminal justice ($37,208) and precision metalworking ($33,993) also offer decent earnings potential compared to the program costs.
How much debt do Bay de Noc Community College students graduate with?
Bay de Noc Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,618, which is manageable for nursing and skilled trades programs but may be problematic for liberal arts graduates earning $31,907.
What is the graduation rate at Bay de Noc Community College?
Only 21% of students graduate from Bay de Noc Community College, which is well below average for community colleges. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.