At $10,611/yr net price, Frontier Community College graduates earn $37,533/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,533/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,611 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,444 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,533/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,533/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,501/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,190/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,485/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,861/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,294/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $5,625 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at Frontier Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Frontier Community College delivers a financially conservative education with limited earning potential. Your median debt of $6,500 stays manageable, but the $37,533 median earnings ten years after graduation place you well below national averages for college graduates.
The school's flagship Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces particularly weak returns, with graduates earning just $20,140 annually while carrying $5,625 in debt. This creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging. The program essentially functions as a transfer pathway rather than a career-focused degree, which explains the low earnings but signals you should plan for additional education costs.
Your graduation rate of 53% indicates completion risks that could leave you with debt but no credential. The extremely low financial aid participation rate of 7.59% suggests either limited aid availability or a student body that doesn't qualify for need-based assistance, potentially making affordability an issue for lower-income students.
This school works financially if you're using it as an inexpensive stepping stone to a four-year degree or need specific vocational training available locally. The low net price of $10,611 makes it one of the more affordable options for basic college coursework. However, you should avoid treating any program here as a terminal degree if you need meaningful earning potential.
Look elsewhere if you need strong job placement services, strong financial aid, or programs that lead directly to middle-class careers. Frontier serves best as a budget-conscious way to complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year institution with stronger earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frontier Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,611 annually and 10-year earnings of $37,533, Frontier Community College offers a reasonable return on investment for a community college. The relatively low median debt of $6,500 reduces financial risk compared to four-year institutions.
What are the highest paying programs at Frontier Community College?
The top-earning program at Frontier Community College is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, with graduates earning around $20,140. This is significantly below national averages, reflecting the school's focus on foundational education rather than specialized career training.
How much debt do Frontier Community College graduates typically have?
Frontier Community College graduates have a median debt of $6,500, which is manageable compared to most colleges. However, with post-graduation earnings of $37,533, debt repayment should be straightforward for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Frontier Community College?
Frontier Community College has a 53% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision about enrolling.