At $8,177/yr net price, Berkshire Community College graduates earn $38,832/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,832/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,177 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,708 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,832/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,832/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,053 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,965/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,219/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,326/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,622/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,434/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 | $63,005 | $17,992 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,729 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,192 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
22.8% of students at Berkshire 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
Berkshire Community College delivers strong returns for specific career-focused programs but poor outcomes for general studies. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,005 annually, making the $17,992 in debt manageable with a payback period under four years. Allied health programs also perform well at $47,729 in median earnings.
Liberal arts graduates face serious financial challenges, earning just $22,192 annually while carrying $9,500 in debt. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that makes repayment difficult in the Berkshire County job market, where opportunities for general studies graduates remain limited.
The 22.8% graduation rate poses significant risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll likely carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. This risk is especially concerning for students considering non-healthcare programs where job prospects are weaker.
You'll find the best financial value here if you're committed to nursing or allied health careers and can complete the program. The regional healthcare system provides steady employment opportunities that justify the investment. The $8,177 annual net price keeps costs reasonable for these high-return programs.
Skip Berkshire Community College if you're unsure about your major or considering liberal arts. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings for general programs creates poor financial outcomes. Students planning to transfer to four-year schools should consider institutions with stronger transfer support and higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkshire Community College worth the money?
Berkshire Community College offers good value for nursing and health programs, with nursing graduates earning around $63,000 annually. However, the 23% graduation rate is concerning, and liberal arts graduates earn just $22,000 per year, making the investment questionable for non-health fields.
What is the ROI for Berkshire Community College graduates?
The ROI varies dramatically by program at Berkshire Community College. Nursing graduates see strong returns with $63,000 annual earnings against low debt, while liberal arts graduates earn $22,000 yearly, barely above minimum wage levels.
How much debt will I have after Berkshire Community College?
Median debt at Berkshire Community College is $12,053, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for liberal arts graduates earning $22,000 annually. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Which programs at Berkshire Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing and allied health programs at Berkshire Community College lead to solid employment with graduates earning $47,000 to $63,000 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show poor outcomes with graduates earning just $22,000 per year.