At $7,803/yr net price, Fulton-Montgomery Community College graduates earn $39,535/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,535/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,803 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,535/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,535/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,955/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,714/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,828/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,448/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,855/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 | $60,771 | $20,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,929 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,921 | $10,999 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Fulton-Montgomery 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
Fulton-Montgomery Community College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but your major choice makes or breaks the financial outcome. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $60,771 annually, justifying the higher $20,000 debt load given the strong healthcare job market in upstate New York.
Criminal justice and human services graduates face tougher financial realities, earning around $30,000 annually in a region where such positions are limited. Liberal arts graduates see the weakest returns at $20,921, though the lower debt of $10,999 softens the blow somewhat.
The 33.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You could easily end up with debt but no credential, particularly problematic given the school's location in a economically challenged region where job opportunities without degrees are scarce.
FMCC works financially if you target high-demand programs like nursing or use it as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree. The low net price of $7,803 makes it one of the more affordable options for testing college readiness or completing prerequisites.
You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts or criminal justice training, unless cost is your primary concern. The school offers limited merit aid opportunities, with only 27.7% of students receiving financial assistance, so expect to pay close to sticker price.
This college suits students who need local, low-cost education and can commit to completing a marketable program like nursing. Skip it if you lack clear career direction or need extensive support services to stay on track academically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fulton-Montgomery Community College worth the cost?
For nursing programs, yes - graduates earn $60,771 after 10 years versus a net cost of $7,803 annually. For other programs, the return is weaker, with most graduates earning $20,000-30,000 ten years later.
What programs at Fulton-Montgomery Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return, with graduates earning over $60,000 within a decade. Criminal justice and human services graduates typically earn around $30,000, while liberal arts graduates average just $20,921.
How much debt do Fulton-Montgomery Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $12,125, which is manageable for nursing graduates but represents a significant burden for liberal arts students earning around $21,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Fulton-Montgomery Community College?
Only 33.7% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This means two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs.