At $7,278/yr net price, Cayuga County Community College graduates earn $38,709/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,709/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,278 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,709/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,709/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.0% |
| 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 | $3,711/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,433/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,449/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,995/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,740/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 | $53,984 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,048 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,135 |
The Risk Factor
34.0% of students at Cayuga County 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
Cayuga County Community College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely reaching $38,709 ten years after enrollment. The school's 34% graduation rate means two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt without the credential to show for it.
Nursing stands as the only financially viable pathway here, producing graduates who earn $53,984 annually. This program justifies the investment, especially given the low net price of $7,278 per year. Business and criminal justice graduates face disappointing outcomes, earning just $29,685 and $27,048 respectively. Liberal arts students see the worst returns at $21,135, barely above minimum wage work.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its abysmal completion rates. You face significant odds of dropping out while still owing money. The $12,000 median debt load appears manageable, but only if you actually graduate and find work in your field.
You should consider Cayuga County Community College only if you plan to enter the nursing program or need an extremely affordable option for basic coursework before transferring elsewhere. The school works for students who live locally and can commute, keeping costs minimal while completing prerequisites. Skip this school if you want marketable career training outside of nursing or need strong student support systems to stay enrolled.
Financial aid covers few students, with only 17% receiving assistance. This suggests limited scholarship opportunities, making the school primarily a pay-as-you-go option for local residents seeking basic education at rock-bottom prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cayuga County Community College worth the cost?
At $7,278 per year, Cayuga County Community College offers reasonable value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $53,984 annually, making it a solid investment, but liberal arts graduates average just $21,135, which barely covers living expenses.
What are the best paying programs at Cayuga County Community College?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs at Cayuga County Community College lead to the highest earnings at around $53,984 annually. Business programs pay moderately at $29,685, while liberal arts graduates earn only $21,135.
How much debt do Cayuga County Community College graduates have?
Cayuga County Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only a 34% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the graduation rate at Cayuga County Community College?
Only 34% of students graduate from Cayuga County Community College within three years. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their programs.