At $10,599/yr net price, Community College of Vermont graduates earn $36,234/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,234/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,599 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,234/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,234/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,491 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,547/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,464/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,173/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,772/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,717/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,993 | $8,696 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,047 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other. | Associate | $27,947 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $22,420 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $9,436 |
The Risk Factor
26.1% of students at Community College of Vermont 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
Community College of Vermont delivers weak financial returns with a 10-year median salary of $36,234 that barely justifies its $10,599 annual net price. The 26% graduation rate means most students leave without credentials and still carry debt.
Accounting offers the strongest earnings potential at $37,208, making it the only program where graduates see meaningful income gains. Business/Commerce provides decent returns at $33,993 with manageable debt of $8,696. Allied Health programs pay $30,047 but require careful calculation since healthcare certifications often demand additional training beyond the associate degree.
The biggest financial risk is the low graduation rate. Three out of four students drop out, often with debt but no degree. Public Administration and Social Service programs show particularly poor returns at $27,947, barely above the state minimum wage trajectory.
This school works financially for older students seeking specific credentials while working full-time, particularly in accounting or business. The low debt burden of $10,491 makes it manageable for students who complete programs. Traditional 18-year-olds should consider four-year options or technical schools with higher completion rates and clearer job placement records.
Vermont's small job market limits opportunities for graduates. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most pay out-of-pocket. Your best strategy involves enrolling in accounting or business programs while maintaining employment, treating this as skills training rather than career transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Vermont worth the money?
Community College of Vermont has a low net price at $10,599 per year, but graduates earn only $36,234 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 26% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Community College of Vermont?
Accounting programs at Community College of Vermont lead to the highest earnings at $37,208 annually. Business and allied health programs also perform reasonably well, with graduates earning $30,000-34,000 per year.
How much debt do Community College of Vermont graduates have?
Community College of Vermont graduates have relatively low debt at $10,491 median. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower post-graduation earnings compared to four-year colleges.
Does Community College of Vermont have good job placement rates?
Community College of Vermont's 26% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, the low graduation rate indicates potential challenges in program completion and career preparation.