At $9,826/yr net price, Clark College graduates earn $42,356/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,356/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,826 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,356/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,356/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,881 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,031/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,468/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,892/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,631/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,036/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 | $63,898 | $9,823 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $60,839 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $60,320 | $19,837 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,729 | $9,625 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $34,348 | |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,409 | $21,000 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Clark 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
Clark College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in healthcare programs but concerning overall performance metrics. The nursing program stands out as a clear winner, generating $63,898 in median earnings with manageable debt of $9,823. Dental support services also perform well, though the $19,837 debt load for one track cuts into returns.
The 35% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you face debt without the earnings boost. This makes program selection critical at Clark. Healthcare tracks offer the best protection against this risk, with clear regional demand and higher completion rates typical in professional programs.
Most other programs struggle financially. Vehicle maintenance and precision metalworking generate earnings barely above what many high school graduates achieve in the region, making the time and money investment questionable. The $42,356 overall median earnings figure reflects this reality.
Clark works best for students committed to specific career paths, particularly nursing or dental fields where regional healthcare systems provide steady employment. The low net price of $9,826 helps, but only if you graduate. Students exploring general education or unsure about their direction face higher dropout risk and limited earning potential.
Financial aid reaches just 22% of students, suggesting most pay close to full price. Focus on completing prerequisites efficiently and transferring to four-year programs if your intended career requires a bachelor's degree. For nursing specifically, Clark offers solid value, but research transfer agreements to ensure your credits move cleanly to university programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clark College worth the cost?
Clark College offers solid value for career-focused programs, with a low net price of $9,826 annually and modest debt levels around $10,881. However, the 36% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $42,356 ten years post-graduation are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the highest paying programs at Clark College?
Nursing programs at Clark College lead in earnings potential, with graduates earning around $63,898 annually. Dental support services also pay well at about $60,000, while automotive and metalworking programs offer more modest returns around $35,000-$40,000.
How much debt do Clark College graduates typically have?
Clark College graduates carry relatively low debt loads, with a median of $10,881. This manageable debt level, combined with the school's affordable tuition, reduces financial risk compared to four-year institutions.
What is Clark College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 36% of Clark College students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs, potentially leaving them with debt but no credential to show for it.