At $8,403/yr net price, Cape Cod Community College graduates earn $43,670/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,670/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,403 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,670/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,670/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.6% |
| 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 | $6,956/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,924/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,809/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,018/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,135/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 | $54,252 | $12,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,595 | $14,498 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,669 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,739 | $7,640 |
The Risk Factor
21.6% of students at Cape Cod 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
Cape Cod Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $8,403 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, but the 21.6% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll leave with debt but no degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $54,252 annually against just $12,000 in typical debt. This program offers strong ROI in Cape Cod's healthcare-heavy job market. Dental support services also perform well at $44,595 in earnings, though with slightly higher debt loads.
Business administration graduates earn a modest $31,133, while liberal arts majors face particularly weak prospects at $26,739 despite lower debt. Allied health programs fall short of expectations at $27,669, concerning given the investment in healthcare training.
The low graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk here. Your chances of completing your program are roughly one in five, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning credentials. This makes program selection critical.
Cape Cod Community College works best for students committed to nursing or dental programs who can handle the academic demands. The school also suits local residents seeking affordable general education credits to transfer elsewhere. However, if you're uncertain about your major or struggle academically, the high dropout rate makes this a risky investment.
With only 31.4% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best strategy involves choosing a high-return program and ensuring you have the support systems needed to actually graduate. The regional healthcare job market supports nursing graduates well, but other programs face limited local opportunities on Cape Cod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cape Cod Community College worth the cost?
Cape Cod Community College offers reasonable value with a net price of $8,403 and median debt of only $12,000. However, the 21.6% graduation rate is concerning, and most graduates earn $43,670 after 10 years, which is modest for the area's cost of living.
What are the best paying programs at Cape Cod Community College?
Nursing programs at Cape Cod Community College lead to the highest earnings at $54,252 annually, followed by dental support services at $44,595. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $26,739.
How much debt do Cape Cod Community College graduates typically have?
Cape Cod Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Cape Cod Community College?
Cape Cod Community College has a 21.6% graduation rate, meaning fewer than 1 in 4 students complete their programs. This low completion rate represents a significant risk factor when considering enrollment.