At $8,433/yr net price, Dutchess Community College graduates earn $43,929/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,929/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,433 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,929/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,929/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,039 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,920/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,473/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,962/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,505/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,342/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 | $63,377 | $13,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,160 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $31,133 | $12,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | $11,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $26,933 | $8,937 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 | $7,599 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,588 | $9,779 |
The Risk Factor
29.3% of students at Dutchess 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
Dutchess Community College offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare but weak outcomes across most other programs. The nursing program delivers strong value, with graduates earning $63,377 annually against just $13,000 in debt. This represents one of the best ROI scenarios you'll find at any community college nationwide.
Beyond nursing, the financial returns drop sharply. Criminal justice graduates earn $29,685 with $11,000 in debt, while human services leads to $31,133 in earnings with $12,000 borrowed. These programs essentially trap you in low-wage work that barely justifies the time and money invested.
The school's 29% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without earning a credential, particularly problematic since only 19% of students receive financial aid. Most students pay the full $8,433 annual cost out of pocket or through loans.
Dutchess works financially if you can secure admission to the nursing program and complete it successfully. The program's selectivity and clinical requirements demand serious commitment, but graduates enter a strong regional healthcare job market around the Hudson Valley. Medical laboratory science offers a backup option with solid $41,160 earnings potential.
Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts, business, or criminal justice programs. These paths lead to earnings barely above what you'd make with just a high school diploma, while the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Your money goes further at SUNY schools with stronger completion rates and more diverse high-paying program options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dutchess Community College worth the money?
Dutchess Community College offers decent value with low costs ($8,433 annually) and manageable debt ($10,039 median). However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning, and most graduates earn around $44,000 ten years later.
What are the best paying programs at Dutchess Community College?
Nursing programs at Dutchess Community College lead to the highest earnings at $63,377 annually. Clinical lab science follows at $41,160, while other programs like criminal justice typically result in lower salaries around $30,000.
How much debt do Dutchess Community College graduates have?
Dutchess Community College graduates have relatively low debt with a median of $10,039. This manageable debt level is one of the school's strongest financial advantages compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Dutchess Community College?
Only 29% of students graduate from Dutchess Community College within the standard timeframe. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials, making the investment riskier despite low costs.