At $6,396/yr net price, Garrett College graduates earn $35,823/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,823/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,396 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,823/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,823/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,469/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,415/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,262/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,567/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,737/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,227 | $12,833 |
The Risk Factor
31.7% of students at Garrett 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
Garrett College delivers poor financial returns despite its low cost. Your median earnings of $35,823 ten years after enrollment barely justify even this community college's affordable $6,396 annual price tag.
The graduation rate of 32% creates serious risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your degree. Even graduates in the college's top-earning program, Wildlife and Wildlands Science Management, earn just $21,964 annually. Liberal Arts graduates fare worse at $19,227 with higher debt loads of $12,833.
These earnings figures reflect Garrett County's limited job market in rural western Maryland. The local economy offers few opportunities for career advancement, and most graduates will need to relocate to find better-paying positions that justify their education investment.
Garrett College makes financial sense only if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing general education requirements at low cost. The college can serve as an inexpensive stepping stone, but treating it as your final destination leaves you with weak earning potential.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong immediate job prospects or live outside the region. The combination of low graduation rates, minimal earnings gains, and geographic isolation makes this a risky choice for most students. Only consider Garrett if you're local, have guaranteed transfer plans, or are pursuing education purely for personal enrichment rather than career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garrett College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Garrett College's low net price of $6,396 per year makes it affordable, but graduates earn just $35,823 annually after 10 years. The combination of low costs and low earnings means limited financial upside compared to four-year institutions.
What programs at Garrett College have the best return on investment?
Wildlife and Wildlands Science graduates earn $21,964 annually, which is below the national average but reasonable given the field. Liberal Arts graduates earn only $19,227, making this program a poor financial choice.
How much debt do Garrett College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $10,750, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings around $35,823, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of income.
Does Garrett College have good graduation rates for the money?
Only 31.7% of students graduate, which is concerning even for a community college. The low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree to show for their investment.