At $7,113/yr net price, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College graduates earn $40,137/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,137/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,113 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,137/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,137/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,715 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,920/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,127/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,018/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,544/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,736/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 | $54,617 | $19,419 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,273 | $13,244 |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,105 | $7,379 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $47,260 | $9,006 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | $14,250 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,321 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | $13,625 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $41,937 | $10,783 |
The Risk Factor
20.4% of students at Cincinnati State Technical and 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
Cincinnati State delivers mixed financial returns with some programs offering strong earnings potential while others fall short. The school's $7,113 annual net price keeps costs manageable, but the 20% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment.
Your program choice determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn $54,617 annually, making it the clear winner despite higher debt loads of $19,419. Mechanical engineering technology and electromechanical instrumentation both deliver solid middle-class incomes above $50,000. Computer programming offers decent returns at $47,260 with relatively low debt of $9,006.
The school works best for career-focused students who can commit to completing their programs. With only 20% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no credential. The 62% retention rate suggests academic support may be limited.
Cincinnati State makes financial sense if you target high-earning technical programs and can handle the completion challenges. The regional job market supports skilled trades and healthcare, giving graduates local opportunities. However, students seeking broad educational experiences or those unsure about their career direction face significant financial risk given the low graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on programs with proven job placement records and consider part-time enrollment to work while studying, which aligns with the school's community college model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati State Technical and Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,113 per year and median debt of $14,715, Cincinnati State offers affordable tuition but has a concerning 20% graduation rate. The school is worth it if you complete a high-paying program like nursing or mechanical engineering, but the low completion rate represents significant financial risk.
What are the best paying programs at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $54,617 average earnings, followed by mechanical engineering technology at $51,273 and graphic communications at $50,856. These programs significantly outperform the overall school average of $40,137 and justify the investment.
How much student debt will I have after Cincinnati State Technical and Community College?
The median debt is $14,715, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 20% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no credential to show for it.
What is the graduation rate at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College?
Only 20% of students graduate, meaning 4 out of 5 students don't finish their programs. This extremely low completion rate makes Cincinnati State a high-risk investment despite its low cost.