At $10,498/yr net price, College of Menominee Nation graduates earn $25,853/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,498 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,853/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,147/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,738/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,123/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,393/yr |
The Risk Factor
27.5% of students at College of Menominee Nation 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 Menominee Nation offers extremely affordable education but delivers concerning financial returns. Your net cost of $10,498 annually is well below national averages, yet median earnings of $25,853 ten years after enrollment create a challenging repayment scenario.
The 27.5% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. With nearly three-quarters of students leaving without degrees, you face significant odds of taking on debt without earning credentials that justify the investment. This pattern suggests completion support may be limited, making your personal academic preparation and commitment level critical factors.
Your career prospects depend heavily on your chosen field and willingness to relocate. The rural Wisconsin location limits local job opportunities, while some programs may align well with tribal government, natural resources, or education careers that value cultural knowledge alongside technical skills. Healthcare and education programs typically offer better earning potential than general studies tracks.
Financial aid coverage reaches about half of students, and the low sticker price means merit scholarships may be limited. Your strategy should focus on completion rather than cost reduction. Consider whether you have strong study habits, family support, and clear career goals before enrolling.
This school works financially for students seeking culturally-centered education at minimal cost who have realistic expectations about earnings. You should look elsewhere if you need higher income potential, prefer urban job markets, or lack confidence in your ability to complete despite challenging graduation statistics. The community and cultural value may justify the modest returns, but purely financial considerations favor other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Menominee Nation worth the cost?
College of Menominee Nation has a relatively low net price at $10,498 per year, but graduates earn only $25,853 annually after 10 years. The 27.5% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for many.
What is the return on investment for College of Menominee Nation?
The ROI is poor compared to most colleges, with graduates earning about $26,000 ten years after enrollment. At this earning level, students may struggle to pay back loans and see meaningful financial returns on their education investment.
Do College of Menominee Nation graduates struggle with student debt?
Given the low post-graduation earnings of around $26,000, students who take on significant debt face real repayment challenges. The school's low net price helps, but the earning potential limits debt capacity.
Which programs at College of Menominee Nation have the best job prospects?
The school focuses heavily on natural resources and environmental programs that align with tribal land management needs. These specialized programs may offer better local employment opportunities within tribal organizations and government agencies.