At $14,186/yr net price, Finger Lakes Community College graduates earn $40,054/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,054/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,186 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,744 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,054/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,054/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,975 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,494/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,782/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,676/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,985/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 | $56,566 | $20,219 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $48,432 | |
| Food Science and Technology. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $27,642 | $16,743 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,585 | |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,035 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
28.0% of students at Finger Lakes 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
Finger Lakes Community College delivers solid financial returns for nursing students but struggles in most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,566 annually, making it one of the strongest community college nursing programs in upstate New York despite higher debt loads of $20,219.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Allied health graduates earn $48,432, creating a viable career path with lower debt than nursing. However, most other popular programs offer weak returns. Legal support services graduates earn just $28,598, while accounting majors face particularly poor prospects at $27,642 with debt of $16,743.
The 28% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your degree, especially problematic given that only 26% of students receive financial aid. This low aid percentage means most students pay closer to the full $14,186 annual cost.
This school works financially if you can get into nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic discipline to complete your degree. The regional healthcare job market in the Finger Lakes region supports these graduates well. Skip Finger Lakes if you want business, legal, or food service training, as regional job markets pay poorly in these fields and the programs here do not provide enough value to justify the cost.
Your best financial strategy involves applying early to competitive health programs and having backup transfer plans if you cannot secure admission to the high-paying majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Finger Lakes Community College worth the money?
Finger Lakes Community College offers decent value if you complete a nursing or allied health program, with graduates earning $48,000-$57,000 annually. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and other programs lead to salaries around $28,000-$30,000.
What are the best paying programs at Finger Lakes Community College?
Registered nursing graduates from Finger Lakes Community College earn the highest salaries at $56,566 annually, followed by allied health programs at $48,432. Other programs like accounting and legal support pay significantly less at around $28,000.
How much debt do Finger Lakes Community College students graduate with?
The median debt for Finger Lakes Community College graduates is $12,975, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This debt level works for nursing graduates but may be harder to repay for students in lower-paying programs.
What is the graduation rate at Finger Lakes Community College?
Only 28% of students graduate from Finger Lakes Community College within three years. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree, making the financial risk higher than the numbers suggest.