At $4,282/yr net price, Bay Mills Community College graduates earn $30,048/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,282 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,048/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,952/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,188/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,905/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,091/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,713/yr |
The Risk Factor
30.4% of students at Bay Mills 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 Mills Community College offers one of the lowest net prices in Michigan at $4,282 per year, but the financial returns are concerning. With median earnings of $30,048 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate of just 30%, your investment faces significant risks.
The low completion rate means seven out of ten students leave without finishing their programs, potentially carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Even graduates who do complete programs earn wages that barely exceed what many entry-level positions offer without a degree.
Bay Mills works financially if you can complete your program and keep borrowing minimal. The rock-bottom tuition means you could potentially graduate debt-free or with very low debt if you qualify for federal aid or work while attending. However, the statistics suggest many students struggle to finish, making this a high-risk proposition.
This college makes the most financial sense for local students who can live at home and work part-time, essentially treating it as affordable skills training rather than a traditional college investment. If you need to relocate or take on significant living expenses, the numbers become much less favorable.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, extensive program options, or a track record of student success. The combination of low graduation rates and modest graduate earnings suggests systemic challenges that could affect your own completion chances. Consider Bay Mills only if the ultra-low cost fits your specific situation and you have realistic backup plans if you don't finish the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bay Mills Community College worth the cost?
Bay Mills Community College costs $4,282 per year, which is affordable for a community college. However, graduates earn only $30,048 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Bay Mills Community College?
Bay Mills Community College has a 30% graduation rate. This means about 7 out of 10 students who start don't finish their program.
Do Bay Mills Community College graduates make good money?
Bay Mills graduates earn $30,048 annually ten years after starting school. This is relatively low compared to other college programs and may not provide strong return on investment.
Should I take on debt to attend Bay Mills Community College?
With low tuition costs, debt should be minimal at Bay Mills Community College. However, the low graduation rate and modest post-graduation earnings suggest students should have a clear plan before enrolling.