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 gives you one clear financial winner and a lot of weak options around it. The nursing associate degree pays $63,005 ten years out, nearly triple what the Liberal Arts and General Studies track returns. That gap tells you everything about where the money is at this school. Median earnings across all graduates sit at $38,832, dragged down by the large share of students in general studies tracks that lead nowhere on their own.
The health-focused programs are why you'd come here. Nursing, allied health, and medical assisting all clear $32,000, and nursing itself lands well above the school's median. These feed directly into hospitals and clinics in the Pittsfield area, where healthcare is a steady regional employer. Nursing carries the highest debt on campus at $17,992, but that debt buys the highest paycheck, so the trade holds up.
The Liberal Arts and General Studies path is the financial risk here. It returns $22,192 with $9,500 in debt, and unless you transfer to a four-year school afterward, that number is where you stay. Combine that with a 22.80% graduation rate, and the odds of finishing at all are a real concern before you even weigh which program you pick.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay $4,965. over $110k, you pay $17,434, more than three times as much. If your family earns under $48k and you enroll in nursing or allied health, the math works strongly in your favor. If you earn over $75k and enroll in general studies, you're paying the most for the weakest return.
Come here for nursing or a specific health credential, ideally as a low-income student. Look elsewhere if you plan to drift through general studies without a transfer plan.
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.