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 gives you a mixed financial return that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The nursing associate degree earns more than double what the liberal arts track does, and that gap decides whether this school pays off for you.
Nursing is the clear win here. You graduate with under $10,000 in debt and earn enough to clear it fast, and the credential ties directly to hospital and clinic jobs across rural Iowa where demand is steady. If you come to Ellsworth for nursing, the math works.
The liberal arts and sciences degree is a different story. It pays close to what many jobs pay without any degree, and you take on more debt to get it than nursing students do. As a standalone credential, it does not earn its cost. It only makes sense if you treat it as a cheap first two years and transfer to a four-year school to finish a bachelor's. Stopping at the associate leaves you underwater.
The main risk is the 42.6% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry the cost with none of the earnings payoff, and more than half of students here fall into that group. The debt is low, so the downside is limited, but a non-completion still leaves you worse off than not starting.
On net price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least, around $8,600 to $9,200 a year. The cost climbs above $13,000 once your household passes $75,000, so higher-income families pay a premium here with no earnings benefit attached.
Come here for nursing or as a transfer step. Look elsewhere if you plan to end your education with the liberal arts associate degree.
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.