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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other end. You borrow a median of $9,450 to finish here, and ten years out you earn just under $42,000. That debt figure is small enough that you're unlikely to be crushed by loan payments, which is the strongest financial argument for this school.
The weak spot is completion. Fewer than four in ten students graduate, and the ROI math only works if you actually finish. If you leave with debt and no credential, you get the cost without the payoff. That risk sits with you before any program choice does.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed for Dawson, so treat this as a transfer or two-year credential decision. Glendive sits in a rural eastern Montana market, and the earnings reflect regional wages more than any single major. Use Dawson to knock out affordable credits or a two-year credential, then transfer if you want higher-paying work.
The net price tiers here are unusual. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $7,600 a year, the lowest tier. But families in the $48,000 to $110,000 range pay more than the highest earners do, peaking above $14,000 for the $75,000 to $110,000 band. If your family lands in that middle income zone, you carry the heaviest cost while getting less grant help than both poorer and richer families.
This school fits you if you live in the region, want to keep debt low, and plan to finish or transfer. Look elsewhere if you need strong graduation support to cross the finish line, or if you're a middle-income family who would pay top-tier prices here for a two-year outcome.
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.