At $4,181/yr net price, Eastern Gateway Community College graduates earn $34,127/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $127/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,181 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,127/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$127/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 131.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,559/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,743/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,289/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,098/yr |
| $110,001+ | $5,766/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 | $56,234 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,856 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,052 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,674 |
The Risk Factor
29.7% of students at Eastern Gateway 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
Eastern Gateway Community College offers strong financial returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. With a net price of just $4,181 annually and median debt of only $4,250, the financial risk stays low even when career outcomes disappoint.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $56,234 ten years after college. This creates a solid return on your modest investment. Other healthcare programs like Health Services and Allied Health also deliver decent outcomes at $38,289 and $37,856 respectively, though these lag behind nursing significantly.
Business and education programs show poor financial returns. Business graduates earn just $21,052 after ten years, while education majors earn $21,508. These wages barely exceed what you might earn with just a high school diploma, making the time investment questionable even with low costs.
The 29.7% graduation rate creates additional risk. Most students who enroll never finish, meaning they get little benefit from their time and money spent. If you struggle with self-discipline or need extensive academic support, this school may not provide the structure you need to succeed.
Eastern Gateway works best for motivated students pursuing nursing or other healthcare fields who need an affordable entry point. The low costs make it reasonable to take the completion risk if you have strong study habits. Students interested in business or education should consider other options or plan to transfer to a four-year school for better career prospects.
With only 29.68% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay the full net price. The low sticker price means merit aid opportunities are likely limited, but the affordable base cost makes this less concerning than at higher-priced schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Gateway Community College worth the money?
Eastern Gateway offers decent value with a low net price of $4,181 per year and minimal debt averaging $4,250. However, the 29.7% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $34,127 are below average for college graduates.
What programs at Eastern Gateway Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return, with registered nursing graduates earning around $56,234 annually. Health services programs also perform well at $38,289, while education and business programs lag significantly with earnings in the low $20,000s.
How much debt do Eastern Gateway Community College students typically graduate with?
Students graduate with relatively low debt, averaging $4,250. The school's affordable tuition helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Eastern Gateway Community College?
Only 29.7% of students graduate from Eastern Gateway Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials, making the investment risky despite the low cost.