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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest but real payoff. You pay $5,216 a year on average and carry about $10,925 in debt at graduation, which median earnings of $40,950 ten years out can cover without much strain. The debt-to-earnings math here works, and that is the main reason to consider this school.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate nursing track pays roughly $45,305, and even with the highest program debt on the list at $12,206, you come out ahead. If you can get into the nursing program and finish it, that is where the money is at Gogebic. The other options pay far less. Parks and recreation management, precision metal working, and general business all land between $24,000 and $31,000, and the $6,000-plus gap between nursing and business is the difference between a degree that pays back fast and one that barely clears local wages.
The biggest financial risk is finishing. The graduation rate is 32.2%, so most people who start here do not complete. Dropping out with debt and no credential is the worst outcome, and it is the likely one for two out of three students. Ironwood sits in a rural, low-wage part of the Upper Peninsula, so the general business and recreation degrees may not stretch far in the local job market.
If your family earns under $48,000, the price stays near or below $5,435, which makes this a low-risk bet if you pick nursing and finish. Above $75,000, your net price roughly doubles to over $12,000, which weakens the value of the lower-paying programs. Go here for nursing. If you are aiming at business or recreation, price out a four-year transfer path before committing.
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.