At $15,517/yr net price, College of Marin graduates earn $42,654/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,654/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,517 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,068 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,654/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,654/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,062 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,784/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,826/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,329/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,371/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 | $90,412 | $14,000 |
The Risk Factor
36.3% of students at College of Marin 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
College of Marin delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $90,412 annually, making it one of the strongest community college nursing programs in Northern California. With only $14,000 in debt, nursing students see excellent ROI within two years of graduation.
The challenge lies in the college's 36% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. If you're among those who finish, the $42,654 median earnings provide reasonable returns on the $15,517 annual cost, especially with relatively low debt loads averaging $10,062.
Your financial risk centers on program completion and choice. The nursing program has competitive admission requirements that screen for likely success, but other programs lack clear earnings data. The college serves Marin County's affluent job market, which can boost wages but also increases living costs that eat into your returns.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or using it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid (17%) reflects both the county's wealth and potentially limited aid availability for middle-income students who don't qualify for need-based assistance.
Avoid College of Marin if you're uncertain about your academic commitment or considering programs without clear career paths. The completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish, turning potential returns into sunk costs. Focus elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or can't handle the area's high cost of living on student wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Marin worth the cost compared to other community colleges?
College of Marin costs $15,517 annually, which is higher than many community colleges, but graduates earn $42,654 after 10 years. The nursing programs offer strong returns with median earnings of $90,412, making it worthwhile for healthcare students.
What is the graduation rate at College of Marin and does it affect ROI?
College of Marin has a 36% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This significantly impacts ROI since you need to actually graduate to see the earnings benefits.
How much student debt do College of Marin graduates typically have?
College of Marin graduates carry a median debt of $10,062, which is relatively manageable. However, with 10-year earnings of $42,654, debt payments could still strain budgets for many graduates.
Which College of Marin programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at College of Marin provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $90,412 annually. Other programs typically lead to the overall average of $42,654, which may not justify the costs for many students.