At $9,385/yr net price, Clinton Community College graduates earn $39,246/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,246/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,385 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,246/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,246/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,180/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,899/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,187/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,436/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,766/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 | $59,756 | $18,505 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,374 | $10,975 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,904 | $10,053 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Associate | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
21.4% of students at Clinton 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
Clinton Community College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year earning of just $39,246 and an alarming 21% graduation rate. Your chances of completing your program here are roughly one in five.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Clinton, with graduates earning $59,756 annually. This $50,371 net price makes nursing the only program that justifies the investment, though you'll carry $18,505 in debt. Criminal Justice graduates earn $29,374, which barely covers basic living expenses in the region. Business and Liberal Arts programs produce particularly weak returns, with graduates earning in the mid-$20,000 range.
The school's low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll still owe money but lack credentials for better-paying jobs. The regional job market around Plattsburgh offers limited opportunities outside healthcare, making program choice critical.
Clinton makes financial sense only if you're committed to nursing and confident you can complete the program. The school's $9,385 net price seems reasonable, but poor completion rates make it a gamble. Liberal Arts and Business students should look elsewhere, as these programs lead to earnings that barely justify community college costs.
Financial aid reaches just 22% of students, suggesting limited institutional support. If you need significant aid to attend, your options may be restricted. Consider Clinton only for nursing or if you have strong academic preparation that increases your completion odds. Otherwise, explore four-year schools or community colleges with stronger graduation rates in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clinton Community College worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $39,246 ten years after enrollment and a low graduation rate of 21%, Clinton Community College offers mixed value. The nursing program pays off well at nearly $60,000 in median earnings, but other programs struggle to justify even the relatively low $9,385 annual cost.
What are the best paying programs at Clinton Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $59,756, making it the clear winner for return on investment at Clinton Community College. Criminal Justice graduates earn $29,374, while business and liberal arts programs produce much lower earnings in the $24,000-26,000 range.
How much debt do Clinton Community College graduates have?
Clinton Community College graduates carry a median debt of $13,250, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for those in lower-paying programs. With many programs producing earnings below $30,000, debt repayment can be challenging.
Why is Clinton Community College's graduation rate so low?
Clinton Community College's 21% graduation rate reflects significant completion challenges that prospective students should consider seriously. This low rate means most students leave without a credential, making the investment risky even at a relatively affordable price point.