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 runs a low-cost, low-return math. You pay around $7,000 a year, but ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns under $25,000. That earnings figure sits below what many U.S. jobs pay without any degree, so the financial payoff here is weak in absolute terms even though the price is modest.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Fewer than a third of students graduate, and only about two in three come back after their first year. That means a real chance you pay tuition, take on time and possible loans, and leave without the credential. A low sticker price stops being a bargain if you don't finish.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point to specific majors that pay off versus ones that don't at this school. Judge your program by asking the college directly what its graduates earn and where they get hired.
The net price barely moves across income brackets. Families under $30,000 pay roughly $6,997, and families earning $75,000 to $110,000 pay about $7,837. So lower-income families get little discount relative to higher earners here, and the cost is close to flat no matter what you make.
This school fits you if you're rooted in the FSM region, plan to work locally, and want an affordable path close to home. It's a poor financial fit if you're borrowing heavily or expecting the degree to lift your income well above local wages. Given the low graduation rate, the safest use of this school is finishing quickly and transferring or entering a local job you've already lined up.
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.