Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,200 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 14.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,050/yr |
The Risk Factor
14.2% of students at College of the Marshall Islands 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 the Marshall Islands presents serious financial risks that overshadow its low sticker price. The 14% graduation rate means most students accumulate debt without earning a degree, creating a financial disaster for the majority who enroll.
The school's remote Pacific location severely limits career opportunities after graduation. Majuro's small job market cannot absorb graduates in most fields, forcing many to relocate to find work that justifies their investment. This geographic isolation makes the already-low graduation rate even more concerning from an ROI perspective.
Nearly 96% of students receive financial aid, indicating the student body has limited financial resources to weather academic setbacks or extended time to degree. Combined with the low completion rate, this creates a high-risk scenario where vulnerable students may leave with debt but no credential.
You should consider this school only if you plan to work locally in the Marshall Islands after graduation or if you're using it as a stepping stone to transfer elsewhere. The financial math works best for local residents who can live at home and minimize total costs while building credits for transfer.
This college may serve students seeking cultural connection to Marshallese heritage or those needing remedial coursework before transferring to mainland institutions. However, if your primary goal is career advancement or earning potential, the combination of low graduation rates and limited regional job market makes this a poor financial bet for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Marshall Islands worth the cost?
College of the Marshall Islands has a very low graduation rate at 14.2%, meaning most students don't complete their programs. While the net price of $11,050 is relatively affordable, the poor completion rates make the investment risky for most students.
What is the return on investment for College of the Marshall Islands?
ROI data for College of the Marshall Islands is limited due to its small size and remote location. The extremely low graduation rate suggests many students lose their investment without earning a degree, making financial returns uncertain.
How much debt do College of the Marshall Islands graduates have?
Specific debt data for College of the Marshall Islands graduates is not widely available. However, with only 14.2% of students graduating, most who attend accumulate some costs without earning a degree to help repay any borrowed funds.
Which programs at College of the Marshall Islands have the best job prospects?
College of the Marshall Islands primarily serves local workforce needs in the Marshall Islands. Programs that align with local industries like education, health services, and government work may offer the best regional employment opportunities, though overall graduation rates remain concerning.