At $12,133/yr net price, Blue Mountain Community College graduates earn $38,375/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,375/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,133 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,375/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,375/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,592/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,853/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,185/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,416/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,463/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 | $14,259 |
| Agricultural Production Operations. | Associate | $21,894 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
22.8% of students at Blue Mountain 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
Blue Mountain Community College delivers poor financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $38,375 and a graduation rate below 23%, your chances of completing a program and earning decent wages are both low.
The earnings data reveals serious problems across all major programs. Liberal Arts graduates earn just $23,340 annually while carrying $14,259 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Agricultural Production and Business Management majors fare even worse, with starting salaries in the low $20,000s that barely cover basic living expenses in today's economy.
The school's 22.8% graduation rate means fewer than one in four students actually finish their programs. You face high odds of dropping out with debt but no credential to show for it. Even if you do graduate, the low earning potential makes the $12,000 median debt burden difficult to manage.
This college might work financially if you're using it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university, live locally to minimize costs, or need specific agricultural training for family farming operations. Otherwise, you should consider other community colleges with stronger job placement records or explore trade programs that lead to higher-paying work.
The 37% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited scholarship opportunities. Focus on completing any program quickly to minimize debt accumulation, since the low earnings potential leaves little room for extended repayment periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Mountain Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Blue Mountain Community College offers a relatively affordable education at $12,133 per year, but graduates earn only $38,375 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 23% also raises concerns about completion rates.
What are the best paying programs at Blue Mountain Community College?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Blue Mountain Community College earn the highest at $23,340 annually, followed by Agricultural Production Operations at $21,894. Business programs pay around $20,140, which are all relatively modest salaries.
How much debt do Blue Mountain Community College students typically graduate with?
Blue Mountain Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. However, with starting salaries around $20,000-$23,000 for most programs, even this modest debt may take several years to pay off.
Does Blue Mountain Community College have good job placement rates?
Blue Mountain Community College has a concerning graduation rate of only 23%, meaning most students don't complete their programs. While the school doesn't publish specific job placement data, the low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish their studies.