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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a shaky completion record. Net price sits around $10,700 a year, and median debt at graduation stays near $14,000, so if you finish, you leave without a crushing loan balance. The problem is finishing. A 20.8% graduation rate and a 44.6% retention rate mean most people who start here don't cross the line, and a certificate or half-finished credits won't move your earnings much.
Median earnings ten years out land around $45,700. That's a modest return for a public college, and it reflects the regional labor market around Cloquet more than any single program. No bachelor-level program salary data is listed here, so treat any specific major payoff as unknown. Pick your program with earnings in mind, because the median alone doesn't tell you which path pays.
The biggest financial risk here is dropping out. With more than half of students not returning after year one, your real danger isn't debt size, it's paying for credits that don't lead to a credential. Borrow only what you need to reach the finish, and have a clear plan to graduate before you enroll.
The net price tiers reward lower and middle incomes. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $10,000 a year. Above $110,000, the price jumps to more than $18,000, which changes the math considerably. This school fits you if you live nearby, want an affordable start, and are committed to finishing. If you need a structure that keeps students enrolled through graduation, the retention numbers say look harder before you commit.
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.