At $5,576/yr net price, Columbia-Greene Community College graduates earn $44,441/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,441/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,576 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,441/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,441/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,565/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,469/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,913/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,933/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,441/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 | $55,383 | $20,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,797 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Columbia-Greene Community College 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
Columbia-Greene Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career-focused programs but struggles with liberal arts outcomes. At $5,576 per year, the school costs less than most community colleges, making it accessible for Hudson Valley residents seeking affordable workforce training.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $55,383 annually. Even with $20,000 in debt, nursing students see strong returns that justify the investment in this high-demand field. The program connects directly to job opportunities in the Capital Region's healthcare system.
Liberal arts students face concerning financial outcomes, earning just $19,797 ten years after graduation. With $11,000 in debt and limited local opportunities for bachelor's degree holders, these graduates often struggle to achieve financial stability. The 33.7% graduation rate compounds this problem, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
You should consider Columbia-Greene if you plan to enter nursing or another specific technical field with clear regional job pathways. The low sticker price makes it reasonable for students who will transfer to four-year schools or need basic credentials for local employment.
Avoid this school if you're pursuing liberal arts without a clear transfer plan. The weak earnings outcomes and low graduation rates create financial risk, especially for students who might not complete their studies. Only 29.5% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities beyond standard federal programs.
Your best strategy involves choosing a program with demonstrated local job placement success, completing your degree, and leveraging the school's low cost to minimize debt while gaining marketable skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia-Greene Community College worth the cost?
Columbia-Greene Community College offers decent value at $5,576 per year, especially for nursing students who earn $55,383 after graduation. However, the 33.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and liberal arts graduates average only $19,797.
What programs at Columbia-Greene Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Columbia-Greene provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $55,383 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $19,797, making these programs harder to justify financially.
How much debt do Columbia-Greene Community College students graduate with?
Students at Columbia-Greene Community College graduate with a median debt of $12,000. This is relatively low compared to four-year schools, but the 33.7% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Do Columbia-Greene Community College graduates earn enough to pay off their loans?
Nursing graduates from Columbia-Greene earn enough at $55,383 to comfortably handle the typical $12,000 debt load. Liberal arts graduates earning $19,797 may struggle more with loan payments despite the relatively low debt amount.