At $12,522/yr net price, East Central College graduates earn $36,916/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,916/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,522 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,916/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,916/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,604/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,968/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,533/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,701/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,528/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 | $53,108 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,950 | $7,820 |
The Risk Factor
38.0% of students at East Central 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
East Central College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for liberal arts students. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $53,108 annually, making it one of the better community college nursing investments in Missouri despite $15,000 in typical debt.
Your program choice determines everything here. Allied health diagnostic programs produce $41,193 earners, while liberal arts graduates struggle at just $17,950 annually. Design and applied arts majors face particularly poor prospects at $19,227, barely above minimum wage levels for full-time work.
The 38% graduation rate creates significant risk. You face better than even odds of leaving without completing your program, potentially with debt but no credential. This risk hits hardest in the weaker-paying programs where the financial cushion is already thin.
East Central works best for career changers targeting specific healthcare roles or traditional students with clear vocational goals. The $12,522 annual cost remains manageable for most Missouri families, and only 33% of students need financial aid. Avoid this school if you want liberal arts education or lack certainty about your career direction.
Focus on the nursing and allied health programs where the school has established regional employer relationships. The general studies path offers poor value given the low completion rates and weak earnings outcomes. Your best strategy is choosing a healthcare program and finishing quickly to minimize both time and debt exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Central College worth the cost?
East Central College offers good value for nursing students who can expect earnings around $53,000, but other programs show weak returns with many graduates earning under $20,000. The low graduation rate of 38% means many students pay costs without completing degrees.
What is the ROI for East Central College nursing programs?
East Central College nursing graduates earn about $53,000 annually, making it one of the few programs that justify the $12,522 yearly cost. Allied health programs also show decent returns at $41,000, but most other majors struggle financially.
How much debt do East Central College students graduate with?
East Central College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable for nursing students but problematic for liberal arts majors earning under $18,000. The debt-to-income ratio varies dramatically by program choice.
Are East Central College graduates finding good jobs?
East Central College graduates average $36,916 annually ten years after enrollment, below national averages. Success depends heavily on program selection, with nursing and allied health offering career prospects while general studies and arts programs struggle in the job market.