At $10,704/yr net price, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College graduates earn $45,665/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,665/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,704 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,665/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,665/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,181 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,820/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,606/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,058/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,212/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,358/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 | $51,607 | $21,025 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $34,315 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,381 | $11,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $21,964 |
The Risk Factor
20.8% of students at Fond du Lac Tribal and 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
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers a mixed financial picture with serious retention and graduation concerns that overshadow modest debt levels. The 20.8% graduation rate means four out of five students leave without completing their program, making any ROI calculation risky.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, delivering $51,607 in median earnings against $21,025 in debt. This represents solid career preparation for Minnesota's healthcare job market. Criminal justice graduates earn $34,315 with manageable $9,500 debt loads, though career prospects in rural Minnesota may limit advancement opportunities.
Liberal arts students face concerning economics, earning just $28,381 after graduation. Practical nursing shows the weakest return at $21,964, barely above what many entry-level positions offer without a degree. The 44.6% retention rate suggests many students struggle to persist through their programs.
You face significant completion risk here. The low graduation rate means you could easily end up with debt but no credential. This school works best if you're committed to nursing, have strong academic preparation, and can access the support systems needed to graduate. Minnesota residents benefit from relatively affordable tuition, but the financial aid participation rate of just 19% suggests limited scholarship opportunities.
Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want strong career services, or prefer programs with higher completion rates. The tribal college mission provides cultural value, but you should weigh that against the statistical likelihood of finishing your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College worth the cost?
The nursing programs at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offer solid returns with graduates earning around $51,600, but the 21% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The low net price of $10,700 reduces risk, but job prospects vary dramatically by program.
What are the highest paying programs at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College?
Registered nursing graduates from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College earn about $51,600 annually, making it the best ROI program. Criminal justice graduates earn $34,300 while liberal arts graduates make only $28,400.
How much debt do Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College with a median debt of $14,200, which is manageable for nursing students but could be problematic for lower-earning programs. The affordable tuition helps keep debt reasonable compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College?
Only 21% of students graduate from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, meaning most students drop out without completing their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall value proposition.