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 gives you one clear financial win and a lot of question marks. Nursing is the reason to come here. Its associate graduates out-earn every other program on this list by more than $30,000 a year, and that gap swallows the extra debt nursing carries. If you finish the nursing program, the math works.
Outside nursing, the picture flattens fast. Criminal justice, business, liberal arts, and community advocacy all land in the low-to-mid $20,000s a decade out. That's near what many people earn without a degree, so you're paying tuition and giving up two years of full-time work for a small bump. Liberal arts and general studies especially only pay off if you transfer to a four-year school and finish a bachelor's elsewhere. the associate on its own doesn't move your earnings much.
The real risk here is finishing at all. Only about one in five students graduate. If you enroll, take on debt, and leave without the credential, you get the cost with none of the payoff. Nursing's earnings assume you actually complete a demanding program. Go in knowing the completion odds are against you and plan accordingly.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns $30,000 to $48,000, you pay the least by far, under $4,000 a year. But if you earn under $30,000, you pay more than that, and costs climb steadily as income rises past $48,000. Middle and higher earners pay the full sticker without much cushion.
This school fits you if you're aiming at nursing or using it as a cheap transfer step toward a bachelor's. If you want a non-nursing associate as your final degree, look hard at whether the earnings justify the time and debt. For most non-nursing paths here, they don't.
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.