At $6,358/yr net price, Erie Community College graduates earn $41,228/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,228/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,358 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,228/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,228/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,379/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,776/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,521/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,010/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,039/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 | $64,245 | $13,324 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | $13,000 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,342 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $39,585 | $9,250 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,382 | $10,859 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at Erie 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
Erie Community College offers solid returns for specific career tracks but shows concerning overall completion rates that affect your investment risk. With a 27% graduation rate, most students leave without finishing their programs, making program selection critical to your financial success.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $64,245 annually. Even with higher debt loads around $13,324, nursing students see strong job placement in Buffalo's healthcare market. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $46,087 in median earnings, giving you practical alternatives if nursing admission proves competitive.
Technical programs in precision maintenance, electrical engineering technology, and industrial production all cluster around $42,000 in annual earnings. These align well with Western New York's manufacturing base and offer decent returns on the low net price of $6,358 per year.
Your biggest risk comes from the low graduation rate across all programs. If you struggle with the accelerated pace or lack support systems, you could join the 73% who leave without credentials. The $9,250 median debt figure only reflects completers, so dropping out means carrying debt without the earning boost.
This school works best if you have clear career goals in healthcare or technical trades and can commit to intensive programs. The low cost makes it accessible for career changers and adults returning to school. However, if you need extensive academic support or prefer a traditional college experience, the completion statistics suggest you should consider four-year options with stronger student services.
With only 38% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price. Limited aid options mean you should plan to cover costs through savings or work rather than expecting significant grant assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erie Community College worth the cost?
Erie Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $6,358 per year and median debt of only $9,250. However, the 27% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying programs at Erie Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $64,245 average earnings, followed by allied health fields at $46,087. Technical programs like precision maintenance and electrical engineering both average around $42,682, well above the overall school average of $41,228.
How much debt do Erie Community College graduates have?
Erie Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,250, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition keeps debt manageable compared to four-year institutions.
Do Erie Community College graduates make good money after graduation?
Average earnings of $41,228 ten years after enrollment are modest but reasonable for a community college. Nursing and technical program graduates earn significantly more, while other fields may struggle to justify even the low costs.