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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff, and the program you pick decides everything. At $7,278 a year with median debt of $12,000, the financial exposure is small. The problem is the median graduate earns just under $39,000 ten years out, and only about a third of students finish.
Nursing is the reason to come here. The associate nursing program pays nearly $54,000, roughly double what the general liberal arts track returns. That gap is the whole story: nursing clears your debt fast and lands you in a stable regional healthcare job, while liberal arts and general studies leave you around $21,000, which barely justifies the time even at this price. Business administration and criminal justice sit in the middle at $30,000 and $27,000, both associate-level jobs with limited ceilings unless you transfer for a bachelor's.
The specific risk here is the 34% graduation rate. If you enroll in liberal arts to "figure it out" and don't finish, you carry debt with no credential and earnings near what a high school diploma brings. This school works when you enter with a plan, ideally nursing or a defined transfer path.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. Under $30,000 in family income, you pay $3,711 a year. over $110,000, you pay $12,740. If your family earns under $48,000, the cost is low enough that even a middling-paying associate degree pays back quickly. Above $75,000, you're paying close to full sticker, so the math only holds if you target nursing or use this as a cheap transfer step to a four-year school.
Come here for nursing or a transfer plan. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's-level career and no clear direction.
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.