At $7,989/yr net price, Genesee Community College graduates earn $39,674/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,674/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,989 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,956 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,674/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,674/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,622 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,399/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,212/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,993/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,547/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,855/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 | $57,811 | $14,255 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,896 | $13,000 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,503 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,585 | $10,214 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,967 | $10,443 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,615 | $10,215 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,280 | $8,395 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Associate | $20,687 | $12,855 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Certificate | $18,498 |
The Risk Factor
28.4% of students at Genesee 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
Genesee Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection will make or break your investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,811 annually, making the $14,255 median debt easily manageable. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic professionals earning over $51,000 and medical assistants averaging $40,896.
The picture turns concerning for other popular programs. Criminal justice graduates earn just $26,585 despite reasonable debt levels, and veterinary tech students face poor earning prospects at $29,503. With the college's 28% graduation rate, you face significant completion risk regardless of your chosen field.
Your best financial strategy centers on healthcare programs where regional demand supports strong wages. The Buffalo-Rochester corridor offers solid opportunities for nursing and allied health graduates, making these programs worthwhile investments. Avoid programs outside healthcare unless you have clear career plans that justify lower earning potential.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional grant opportunities, but the modest $7,989 net price keeps costs reasonable for most families. You should focus on completing your program quickly since the graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish. Consider this school if you can commit to healthcare studies and complete your degree within the standard timeframe. Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or want programs with stronger completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Genesee Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Genesee Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $7,989 annually and modest debt loads averaging $11,622. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning and could limit your return on investment if you don't complete your program.
What are the highest paying programs at Genesee Community College?
Nursing programs at Genesee Community College provide the best financial returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $57,811 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $51,482, while criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $26,585.
How much debt will I have after graduating from Genesee Community College?
Genesee Community College graduates typically leave with $11,622 in debt, which is manageable for a two-year program. The low debt combined with strong earnings in nursing and allied health programs makes these fields financially viable.
Do Genesee Community College graduates make good money after graduation?
Average earnings of $39,674 ten years after enrollment are respectable for a community college, but success varies dramatically by program. Nursing and allied health graduates earn well above average, while other programs may struggle to provide strong financial returns.