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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky for most paths. The median debt of about $10,000 is low, which limits your downside. But median earnings ten years out sit around $42,654, and the graduation rate is only 36%. That means most students leave without finishing, and the typical outcome for those who do is modest.
The nursing program is the clear exception and the reason to come here. Its associate-degree graduates earn roughly $90,412, more than double the school-wide median, against about $14,000 in debt. If you can get into and complete nursing, the return is strong and the regional Bay Area healthcare market backs up those numbers. No other program's earnings are listed, so treat nursing as the standout and everything else as unproven on paper.
The main risk here is completion. With a 36% graduation rate, your bet is partly on whether you finish at all. Paying a net price near $15,517 per year and leaving without a credential is the worst outcome, and it happens to the majority. As a two-year school, transferring to a four-year program is a common route, so your real payoff may depend on a degree you earn somewhere else.
The net price tiers are unusual: families under $30,000 pay about $13,784, while families earning $75,000-$110,000 pay $20,371. Aid narrows the gap but does not erase the cost for lower-income families, so budget carefully even at the bottom tier.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or using it as a low-debt transfer step with a clear plan to finish elsewhere. If you have no specific program in mind, the earnings and completion numbers make it hard to justify the yearly cost.
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.