At $10,037/yr net price, Century College graduates earn $46,424/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,424/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,037 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,424/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,424/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,624/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,307/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,938/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,642/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,374/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $58,673 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,151 | $15,725 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $53,775 | $10,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,928 | $17,198 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $50,270 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $49,019 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,021 | $15,699 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,829 |
The Risk Factor
21.0% of students at Century 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
Century College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with several technical and healthcare fields offering excellent earning potential relative to the school's low costs. Computer technology graduates earn $58,673 annually while nursing graduates make $55,151, both well above the overall median of $46,424.
HVAC stands out as the strongest financial choice, with graduates earning $53,775 while carrying just $10,500 in debt. This program offers the best debt-to-income ratio among Century's top earners. Nursing provides solid returns despite higher debt loads of $15,725, as the Twin Cities healthcare market supports strong wages for registered nurses.
The school's 21% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face real chances of accumulating debt without completing your program. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in programs outside the top-earning fields, where lower wages make debt harder to manage.
Century works best for students focused on specific technical careers with clear job pathways in Minnesota. The state's manufacturing and healthcare sectors actively hire from these programs. Students considering liberal arts or general studies face weaker financial prospects given the completion challenges and lower earning potential.
The school's $10,037 net price keeps costs manageable, and only 33% of students need financial aid. This suggests many students can graduate debt-free by working part-time or paying out-of-pocket. For students who qualify for financial aid, the combination of federal grants and low tuition makes Century particularly affordable among Minnesota community colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Century College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Century College offers decent value with a low net price of $10,037 per year and graduates earning $46,424 after 10 years. However, the 21% graduation rate is concerning and means many students leave without completing their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Century College?
Computer/Information Technology Administration graduates earn around $58,673, while nursing program graduates make about $55,151. HVAC technicians also do well at $53,775, making these the best ROI options at the school.
How much student debt do Century College graduates typically have?
The median debt for Century College graduates is $14,250, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Given the earning potential in top programs like IT and nursing, this debt level is reasonable for students who complete their degrees.
Does Century College have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by program at Century College. Technical programs like HVAC, IT, and nursing show strong earning potential, but the low 21% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their studies and enter the workforce.