At $12,211/yr net price, Estrella Mountain Community College graduates earn $44,356/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,356/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,211 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,356/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,356/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,977/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,006/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,620/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,004/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,523/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 | $55,512 | $7,449 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,459 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Certificate | $28,133 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $27,947 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,181 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $26,643 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,580 | $7,419 |
The Risk Factor
24.6% of students at Estrella Mountain 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
Estrella Mountain Community College delivers solid returns for career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general education. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $55,512 annually while carrying just $7,449 in debt, creating an excellent payback timeline in Arizona's healthcare market.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial picture here. Allied health and computer networking graduates earn respectable mid-30s salaries that justify the investment. However, fine arts and language studies programs lead to earnings below $28,000, making the $12,211 annual cost harder to recover.
The 24.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real chance of accumulating costs without completing your credential. This risk hits hardest if you're pursuing transfer credits rather than direct career training.
Estrella Mountain works best financially if you're targeting nursing or healthcare careers in the Phoenix metro area, where demand stays strong. The low median debt of $7,500 keeps your downside manageable compared to four-year schools. You should avoid this school if you're planning liberal arts transfer without a clear career path.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, especially given the graduation rate concerns. The school makes financial sense for working adults seeking specific certifications but represents poor value for unfocused exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Estrella Mountain Community College worth the cost?
Estrella Mountain Community College offers decent value for specific programs, particularly nursing which leads to $55,512 annual earnings. However, the overall 10-year median earnings of $44,356 and low 24.6% graduation rate make it a risky investment for many students.
What programs at Estrella Mountain Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Estrella Mountain Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $55,512 annually. Allied health and computer networking programs also offer reasonable prospects, while fine arts graduates typically earn just $27,947.
How much debt do Estrella Mountain Community College graduates have?
Estrella Mountain Community College graduates carry a median debt of $7,500, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset concerns about the modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Estrella Mountain Community College?
Only 24.6% of students graduate from Estrella Mountain Community College, which is concerning for return on investment. This low completion rate means many students may accumulate debt and time without earning a credential.