At $7,930/yr net price, Glen Oaks Community College graduates earn $37,540/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,540/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,930 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,540/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,540/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,794 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,231/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,421/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,254/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,933/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,117/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 | $56,415 | $12,346 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,227 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Glen Oaks 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
Glen Oaks Community College delivers solid returns for nursing students but struggles across most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,415 annually, making it one of the stronger community college nursing options in Michigan despite the $12,346 median debt load.
Your financial outlook depends heavily on your major choice. Liberal arts graduates face a harsh reality with median earnings of just $19,227, creating a difficult path to financial stability even with the school's low $7,930 net price. The 36% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree.
The school works best if you can secure one of the limited nursing spots and complete the program successfully. For other majors, the weak earnings outcomes make Glen Oaks a risky investment unless you plan to transfer to a four-year school quickly. The low percentage of students receiving aid (26%) suggests limited financial assistance beyond federal programs.
Consider Glen Oaks if you live locally, can minimize housing costs, and gain admission to nursing. Look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, want strong liberal arts career prospects, or prefer schools with higher completion rates. The $10,794 median debt stays manageable, but only nursing graduates earn enough to justify even this modest borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glen Oaks Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Glen Oaks offers decent value with a net price of $7,930 annually and relatively low debt at $10,794. However, the 37% graduation rate and median earnings of $37,540 after 10 years are concerning for most programs outside of nursing.
What programs at Glen Oaks Community College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs clearly offer the best ROI, with graduates earning around $56,415 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn only $19,227, making these programs financially risky despite the low tuition.
How much debt do Glen Oaks Community College graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $10,794, which is manageable for nursing graduates but problematic for liberal arts students earning under $20,000 annually. The low debt load is one of the school's few financial advantages.
What are the chances of graduating from Glen Oaks Community College?
Only 37% of students graduate from Glen Oaks, meaning most students leave without a degree but may still accumulate debt. This low completion rate significantly undermines the school's value proposition for most students.