At $5,161/yr net price, Crowder College graduates earn $35,987/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,987/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,161 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,987/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,987/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,380/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,400/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,779/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,554/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,532/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 | $45,145 | $11,655 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,905 | $7,365 |
The Risk Factor
43.3% of students at Crowder College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Crowder College delivers solid returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for general studies. Your $5,161 annual investment produces a $35,987 median salary after ten years, making this one of Missouri's better community college values.
Nursing students see the strongest payoff with $45,145 earnings that justify the higher $11,655 debt load. This program connects directly to southwest Missouri's healthcare job market where registered nurses remain in high demand. Liberal arts graduates earn just $22,905, creating a concerning gap between even the modest $7,365 debt and long-term earning potential.
The 43% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you face debt without credentials. This school works best if you enter with clear career goals, particularly in healthcare fields where Crowder has established regional employer relationships.
You should consider Crowder if you need affordable nursing preparation or technical training while staying close to the Missouri-Arkansas border region. The low net price makes it accessible for working adults and first-generation college students. Skip this school if you're exploring general studies without a transfer plan to a four-year university, as those graduates struggle to recoup even the minimal investment.
With only 35% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price. Focus on completing your program within two years to maximize the return on your investment and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crowder College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Crowder College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,161 per year and graduates earning $35,987 after 10 years. The nursing programs show strong returns with median earnings of $45,145, but liberal arts graduates earn just $22,905.
What is the graduation rate at Crowder College and does it affect ROI?
Crowder College has a 43% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. This significantly hurts ROI since students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without getting the credential needed for higher earnings.
How much debt do Crowder College students typically have?
Crowder College graduates have a median debt of $9,000, which is relatively low for college debt. The manageable debt load helps improve the school's overall value proposition, especially for nursing students who earn enough to handle payments comfortably.
Which programs at Crowder College offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Crowder College provide the strongest ROI with graduates earning $45,145 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $22,905, making these programs harder to justify financially.