At $4,538/yr net price, Cuyahoga Community College District graduates earn $35,654/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,654/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,538 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,152 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,654/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,654/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,150 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,249/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,066/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,878/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,249/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,633/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $108,092 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,762 | $9,484 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,165 | $10,925 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,696 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Associate | $44,356 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $41,565 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,193 |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at Cuyahoga Community College District 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
Cuyahoga Community College District delivers strong financial returns for healthcare students but weak outcomes for most other majors. With a net price under $4,600 annually and median debt of just $8,150, your financial risk stays low even if earnings disappoint.
The healthcare programs justify the investment. Allied health diagnostic fields can push your income above $100,000, while registered nursing graduates earn $53,762 with manageable debt loads. Dental support services also provide solid middle-class earnings at $46,478. These programs align well with Cleveland's medical job market, anchored by the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
Outside healthcare, your earning prospects dim considerably. The overall median of $35,654 suggests most other programs struggle to move graduates into well-paying careers. The 28.6% graduation rate signals many students leave without completing their programs, wasting time and money.
You should choose Cuyahoga if you can commit to one of the high-earning healthcare tracks and have the academic preparation to complete the program. The low cost makes it a reasonable choice for exploring your interests or completing prerequisites before transferring to a four-year school. However, you should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or want programs outside the health sciences.
Only 32% of students receive financial aid, indicating most pay the full net price. This suggests limited need-based aid availability, though the low sticker price reduces the impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuyahoga Community College District worth the cost?
At $4,538 per year with median debt of only $8,150, Cuyahoga Community College District offers good financial value despite low 10-year earnings of $35,654. The low cost and minimal debt make it a safer investment than most four-year schools.
What are the highest paying programs at Cuyahoga Community College District?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead earnings at $108,092, followed by nursing at $53,762. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the overall graduate median of $35,654 and justify the investment.
How much debt will I have after Cuyahoga Community College District?
Typical graduates leave with $8,150 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low net price of $4,538 per year keeps borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Cuyahoga Community College District?
Only 28.6% of students graduate, which is concerning but typical for community colleges. Many students transfer before completing their programs or attend part-time while working.