At $7,012/yr net price, College of Micronesia-FSM graduates earn $24,651/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,012 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,651/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,349/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,997/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,431/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,985/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,837/yr |
The Risk Factor
29.5% of students at College of Micronesia-FSM 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 Micronesia-FSM delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $24,651 ten years after enrollment, barely above the poverty line for a family of four. The extremely low graduation rate of 29.5% means most students leave without completing their degree, making the already weak earning potential even worse.
The school's isolated Pacific location limits career opportunities, with most graduates remaining in the Federated States of Micronesia where wages are significantly lower than mainland U.S. standards. Your earning potential will likely remain constrained by the regional economy regardless of your major, though education and nursing programs may offer slightly better prospects within the local job market.
The biggest financial risk is the high probability you won't graduate at all. With only three in ten students completing their degree and a retention rate below 66%, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without the credential to justify it. The low net price of $7,012 annually helps minimize this risk, but time lost represents a significant opportunity cost.
This school makes financial sense only if you plan to remain in Micronesia long-term and need affordable local higher education access. You should look elsewhere if you want strong earning potential, plan to work in the continental United States, or need a high-support environment to ensure degree completion. The financial aid environment favors need-based assistance given the regional economic conditions, with nearly two-thirds of students receiving aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Micronesia-FSM worth the cost?
With graduates earning $24,651 annually and a 29% graduation rate, College of Micronesia-FSM offers limited financial returns. The low net price of $7,012 per year reduces debt risk, but career earnings remain well below national averages.
What is the return on investment for College of Micronesia-FSM?
The ROI is poor compared to mainland colleges, with graduates earning about $25,000 annually ten years after enrollment. However, as the main higher education option in the Federated States of Micronesia, it serves students with limited geographic alternatives.
How much debt do College of Micronesia-FSM students typically graduate with?
The relatively low annual cost of $7,012 keeps debt manageable for most students. Given the limited local earning potential, minimizing debt is crucial since graduates typically earn around $25,000 per year.
What programs at College of Micronesia-FSM have the best job prospects?
Programs that prepare students for government positions, teaching, or healthcare roles in the FSM typically offer the most stable employment. The college serves a small island economy where public sector jobs and essential services provide the most reliable career paths.