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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other side. You borrow around $10,000 and typically leave owing about that much, so debt here stays manageable no matter which program you pick. The catch is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit near $36,000, barely above what many jobs pay without a degree.
Accounting is the clear winner. It pays about $37,000 a year, roughly $9,000 more than Business Administration or the public service programs at the bottom of the list. General Business/Commerce comes in second and carries the lowest debt of any program here, under $9,000, which makes it the safest bet if you want a balance of cost and return. Allied Health and Medical Assisting lands in the middle at $30,000 and feeds directly into Vermont's healthcare hiring. The management and public administration tracks pay the least, close to $28,000, and don't justify borrowing more than the minimum.
The real risk is completion. Only about one in four students graduates, so the biggest financial danger isn't debt, it's paying tuition and walking away with no credential and no earnings bump.
Net price barely moves for lower- and middle-income families, staying near $10,000 whether you earn under $30,000 or up to $75,000. Above $75,000 the price jumps by several thousand dollars, so higher earners pay a noticeable premium here.
This school fits you if you live in Vermont, want to keep debt low, and plan to transfer to a four-year school or move straight into accounting, business, or healthcare. If you want a degree that clears $40,000 on its own, look elsewhere or use CCV as a cheap first two years before transferring.
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.