At $5,216/yr net price, Gogebic Community College graduates earn $40,950/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,950/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,216 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,864 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,950/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,950/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,925 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,687/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,435/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,056/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,198/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,847/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 | $45,305 | $12,206 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Gogebic 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
Gogebic Community College offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare but limited upside in most other programs. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating median earnings of $45,305 annually with manageable debt of $12,206. This represents solid value in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where healthcare jobs remain stable and well-compensated.
Your program choice matters significantly at Gogebic. While nursing graduates see strong returns, the precision metalworking program produces earnings of just $26,353, and general business majors earn only $24,035 annually. These lower-earning programs may struggle to justify even the modest debt loads when competing career paths exist elsewhere.
The school's 32% graduation rate presents a major financial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your credential, particularly concerning given that over one-third of students receive financial aid. The low completion rate suggests academic or life challenges that derail many students before they can capture any return on investment.
Gogebic works financially for students committed to nursing who want to stay in the region and can handle the program's demands. The parks and recreation management program might appeal to those passionate about outdoor careers, though earnings remain modest. Students considering general business or metalworking should explore alternatives with better earning potential.
Given the rural location and limited program diversity, you should have clear career goals before enrolling. The school serves its local community well for specific needs, but students seeking broader opportunities or higher earning potential will find better options elsewhere in Michigan's community college system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gogebic Community College worth the cost?
Gogebic Community College offers decent value at $5,216 per year, but the 32% graduation rate is concerning. Students who complete nursing programs earn around $45,000, while other programs typically lead to lower-paying jobs.
What programs at Gogebic Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Gogebic Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning about $45,000 annually. Other programs like business and metalworking lead to significantly lower earnings in the $24,000-$26,000 range.
How much debt do Gogebic Community College students graduate with?
Gogebic Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,925, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 32% of students actually graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Do Gogebic Community College graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
Gogebic Community College graduates earn $40,950 ten years after enrollment, which covers the low annual cost of $5,216. The bigger risk is the poor graduation rate, meaning many students may not complete their programs at all.