At $2,449/yr net price, Fort Peck Community College graduates earn $14,747/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,449 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,796 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $14,747/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-19,253/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,957/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $401/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,466/yr |
The Risk Factor
15.9% of students at Fort Peck 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
Fort Peck Community College delivers poor financial returns with median graduate earnings of just $14,747 ten years after enrollment. This income level falls well below living wages in most areas and creates serious debt-to-income concerns even with the school's low $2,449 annual net price.
The 15.90% graduation rate represents a major financial risk. Most students who enroll will not complete their programs, meaning they face educational costs without the credential benefits. This completion rate suggests systemic challenges that could affect your chances of finishing successfully.
Fort Peck works financially only for students with extremely specific circumstances. You might consider it if you live locally and can commute to avoid housing costs, need basic coursework before transferring to a four-year school, or require job training in fields where certification matters more than income potential. The low net price makes it accessible for students with limited resources.
The school serves a rural Montana population where job opportunities remain limited. Local employment markets may not support higher wages regardless of educational credentials, which partly explains the low graduate earnings. This geographic reality makes Fort Peck unsuitable for students seeking strong financial returns on their education investment.
Students aiming for career advancement or higher earning potential should look elsewhere. Four-year universities or community colleges in areas with stronger job markets would provide better financial prospects. Fort Peck's combination of low completion rates and weak earnings outcomes creates significant financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Peck Community College worth the cost?
Fort Peck Community College has an extremely low net price at $2,449 per year, but graduates earn only $14,747 ten years after enrollment. The low graduation rate of 16% means most students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for Fort Peck Community College?
The ROI is poor, with graduates earning below poverty-level wages at $14,747 annually. Even with the low cost, the combination of minimal earnings and high dropout rates creates financial risk.
Do Fort Peck Community College graduates struggle with student debt?
While the low net price means students borrow less than at most schools, the extremely low post-graduation earnings make even small debt burdens difficult to repay.
Which programs at Fort Peck Community College have the best job prospects?
Specific program outcomes aren't widely available, but the overall graduate earnings of $14,747 suggest most programs lead to low-paying employment. Students should research individual program placement rates before enrolling.