At $7,962/yr net price, Copper Mountain Community College graduates earn $33,281/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,962 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,848 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,281/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-719/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,075/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,689/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,314/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,142/yr |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at Copper Mountain 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
Copper Mountain Community College offers a weak return on investment with median earnings of just $33,281 ten years after enrollment. Your annual net price of $7,962 means you'll need nearly four years of post-graduation income increases to break even on your investment.
The 38% graduation rate creates additional financial risk since you face high odds of leaving without completing your program. This doubles your potential losses since you'll pay tuition without gaining credentials that boost your earning power.
Your best financial strategy focuses on programs that lead directly to local employment in the Mojave Desert region. Healthcare support roles, automotive technology, and business administration align with regional employers, while liberal arts transfers work only if you complete your bachelor's degree elsewhere.
This school makes financial sense if you're already working locally and need specific skills training, or if you're using it as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree. The low net price keeps your debt manageable compared to starting at a university.
You should look elsewhere if you need higher earnings quickly or want programs that aren't offered here. The remote Joshua Tree location limits internship and job networking opportunities that could improve your post-graduation prospects.
With 44% of students receiving financial aid, explore all grant options before enrolling. Community college students often qualify for Pell Grants that don't require repayment, making this investment more viable if you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Copper Mountain Community College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $33,281 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $7,962 annually, Copper Mountain Community College offers modest returns on investment. The low graduation rate of 38% means many students don't complete their programs.
What is the job market like for Copper Mountain Community College graduates?
Graduates earn around $33,000 annually ten years after starting, which is below the national average for community college graduates. The desert location limits local job opportunities, so many graduates need to relocate for better-paying positions.
How much debt do Copper Mountain Community College students typically graduate with?
As a community college with an annual net price under $8,000, most students can avoid significant debt if they complete their programs quickly. However, the 38% graduation rate suggests many students spend more time and money than planned without finishing.
Which programs at Copper Mountain Community College have the best ROI?
Healthcare and skilled trade programs typically offer the strongest earning potential for community college graduates. However, specific program outcome data for Copper Mountain Community College is limited, making it difficult to identify which majors provide the best return.