At $10,915/yr net price, Ellsworth Community College graduates earn $40,562/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,562/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,915 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,562/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,562/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,176/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,601/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,907/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,217/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,106/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 | $51,273 | $9,900 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,892 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
42.6% of students at Ellsworth Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ellsworth Community College delivers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare but concerning outcomes in general studies. Your career choice here will largely determine whether this investment makes sense.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating median earnings that justify the relatively low debt load. With graduates earning over $51,000 annually while carrying less than $10,000 in debt, you get solid career preparation for Iowa's healthcare job market. The program's debt-to-income ratio works in your favor.
Liberal arts graduates face a tougher financial reality. Earning under $23,000 annually while carrying $12,000 in debt creates a challenging payback scenario. This outcome reflects the limited career pathways available directly from a general studies associate degree in rural Iowa.
The 42% graduation rate signals completion risk that could leave you with debt but no credential. Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability. Your ability to finish the program matters more than the sticker price.
This school works best if you have a clear healthcare career path and can commit to completing your program. The nursing track offers legitimate career preparation with reasonable debt levels. However, if you're exploring general education or lack career direction, the financial outcomes suggest looking at four-year transfer options or more specialized programs elsewhere.
Consider Ellsworth if you want affordable nursing training in central Iowa. Skip it if you're uncertain about your major or need extensive financial aid packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellsworth Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $10,915 per year, Ellsworth Community College offers reasonable value for a two-year program. Graduates earn $40,562 annually after 10 years, which is decent for an associate degree, though the 42.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Ellsworth Community College?
Nursing programs at Ellsworth Community College lead to the highest earnings at $51,273 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $22,892, making program choice critical for return on investment.
How much debt do Ellsworth Community College graduates typically have?
Ellsworth Community College graduates have a median debt of $10,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earnings for most programs.
Does Ellsworth Community College have a good graduation rate?
Ellsworth Community College's 42.6% graduation rate is concerning, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This significantly impacts the school's overall value since you need to graduate to see any return on investment.