At $10,094/yr net price, Dawson Community College graduates earn $41,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,094 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,450 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,601/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,586/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,354/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,721/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,531/yr |
The Risk Factor
37.9% of students at Dawson 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
Dawson Community College offers modest financial returns that reflect its rural Montana location and two-year focus. Your typical graduate earns $41,951 ten years after enrollment, which translates to reasonable value given the low net price of just over $10,000 annually.
The school's biggest financial strength is its affordability. With median debt of only $9,450, you'll graduate with manageable loan payments that won't derail your budget. This low-debt profile makes Dawson particularly attractive if you're planning to transfer to a four-year school or enter trades where additional certification matters more than prestige.
The 38% graduation rate presents the main financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll still carry debt without the credential boost. This completion challenge likely stems from the rural setting and student demographics, but it directly impacts your return on investment.
Dawson works best financially if you're pursuing healthcare, agriculture, or technical programs that align with eastern Montana's job market. These fields offer stable local employment and justify the investment. Liberal arts or general studies programs carry higher risk since they typically require transfer to capture full value.
Only 27% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for significant federal aid. This means you'll likely pay close to sticker price, though that price remains reasonable compared to most colleges.
Skip Dawson if you need urban job opportunities or plan to pursue fields with limited rural demand. The school makes financial sense for local students seeking practical skills or transfer preparation, but weak completion rates mean you must commit fully to finishing your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dawson Community College worth the cost?
Dawson Community College offers a low net price of around $10,000 annually with relatively low debt levels, but graduates earn a median of $42,000 ten years later. The 38% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate students struggle to complete programs.
What is the return on investment for Dawson Community College?
With a net price of $10,094 and median earnings of $41,951 after ten years, the ROI is modest. Low median debt of $9,450 helps, but the earnings potential remains limited compared to four-year institutions.
Which programs at Dawson Community College have the best job prospects?
As a community college, Dawson likely offers the strongest job prospects in healthcare, trades, and technical programs that lead directly to employment. These career-focused programs typically provide better immediate earning potential than general education courses.
How much debt do Dawson Community College students graduate with?
Dawson Community College graduates have a median debt of $9,450, which is relatively manageable. However, with only 38% of students graduating, many may leave with some debt but no credential.