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 gives you a modest but low-risk financial picture. Median debt sits at $6,500, one of the lightest loads you'll find, and median earnings ten years out reach $37,533. You won't get rich, but you also won't dig a deep hole to get there.
The only program with reported earnings data is the Liberal Arts and Sciences associate track, and at $20,140 a year it pays poorly on its own. Treat that credential as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint. If you stop at the associate level in liberal arts here, the return is weak.
The 53% graduation rate is the main risk. Nearly half of students don't finish, and if you borrow and leave without a credential, you carry debt with no degree to show for it. The low debt figure only protects you if you complete.
The net price tiers work backwards from what you'd expect. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $8,200-$8,500 a year. If you earn between $48k and $110k, your cost jumps to roughly $12,500-$13,900. Middle-income families pay more here than lower-income ones, so budget for the higher tier if you land in that range.
This school fits you if you're staying local, keeping costs down, and using Frontier as a launch point to transfer to a bachelor's program. It's a reasonable financial bet for that plan. Look elsewhere if you want a terminal two-year credential that leads straight to strong pay, since the earnings data here doesn't support that outcome. Keep your borrowing minimal and commit to finishing, because the numbers only work if you graduate.
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.