At $8,723/yr net price, Flathead Valley Community College graduates earn $38,520/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,520/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,723 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,892 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,520/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,520/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,585/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,919/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,780/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,507/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,604/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,322 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,580 | $10,833 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Flathead Valley 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
Flathead Valley Community College offers weak financial returns overall, with median earnings of $38,520 barely justifying the $8,723 annual net price for most students. The 27% graduation rate creates substantial risk of leaving with debt but no credential.
Your program choice makes or breaks your financial outcome here. Allied Health Diagnostic programs and Precision Metal Working deliver the strongest returns at around $37,000-$38,000 annually, providing solid middle-class earnings potential in Montana's job market. Medical Assisting pays moderately at $29,322. Liberal Arts graduates face harsh financial reality with median earnings of just $16,580 while carrying $10,833 in debt.
The low graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. With fewer than three in ten students completing their programs, you could easily end up with debt and no degree. The college works best financially if you enter a high-completion health or trades program with clear job placement prospects in the Flathead Valley region.
This school makes financial sense for career changers seeking specific technical training in healthcare or manufacturing, especially if you can complete your program quickly. Local employers in these sectors provide decent job prospects. However, avoid this college if you need Liberal Arts coursework before transferring to a four-year school, as the poor completion rates and weak transfer earnings suggest better options exist.
Only 16% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited assistance beyond basic federal programs. Focus on completing your program as quickly as possible to minimize total costs and debt accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flathead Valley Community College worth the money?
At $8,723 per year, Flathead Valley Community College offers low costs but mixed returns. Graduates earn a median of $38,520 after 10 years, which is reasonable for a community college, though the 27% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Flathead Valley Community College?
Allied health programs at Flathead Valley Community College provide the strongest financial returns, with diagnostic and treatment fields paying around $38,289 annually. Precision metal working also offers solid earning potential at $37,208, while liberal arts graduates typically earn just $16,580.
How much student debt do Flathead Valley Community College graduates have?
Flathead Valley Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
Why is Flathead Valley Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 27% of students graduate from Flathead Valley Community College, which is below average even for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition costs without earning credentials that boost their earning power.