At $18,587/yr net price, Great Bay Community College graduates earn $42,397/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,397/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,587 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,397/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,397/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,828 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,794/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,016/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,016/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,016/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,016/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 | $59,011 | $19,487 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $43,426 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,426 | |
| Materials Engineering | Certificate | $32,563 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,816 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,598 | $13,145 |
The Risk Factor
29.6% of students at Great Bay 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
Great Bay Community College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The median graduate earns just $42,397 ten years after enrollment, barely above what many high school graduates can earn without paying $18,587 annually in college costs.
The nursing program stands out as the only clear financial winner, with graduates earning $59,011 despite carrying higher debt loads of $19,487. Computer systems networking and allied health diagnostic programs both hit $43,426 in median earnings, making them marginally worthwhile if you can graduate without excessive borrowing.
The school's 29.6% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. With only 26% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay the full net price out of pocket.
Materials engineering graduates earn just $32,563, well below what the debt and opportunity cost justify. Veterinary technician programs produce even worse returns at $28,816, leaving graduates struggling to service educational debt on wages barely above minimum wage work.
This school makes financial sense only if you can secure admission to the nursing program and complete it within two years. The regional healthcare job market in New Hampshire supports nursing salaries, making it the sole program with clear positive ROI. For other fields, you'll find better earning potential and graduation rates at four-year institutions or through direct workforce entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Bay Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Great Bay Community College has below-average returns with graduates earning $42,397 ten years after enrollment against an annual cost of $18,587. The low 29.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Great Bay Community College?
Nursing programs at Great Bay Community College offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $59,011 annually. Computer networking and allied health programs also perform well at $43,426, while veterinary tech graduates earn significantly less at $28,816.
How much debt do Great Bay Community College students typically graduate with?
Great Bay Community College graduates carry a median debt of $13,828, which is relatively manageable for a two-year program. However, this figure only reflects students who actually complete their degrees.
Should I attend Great Bay Community College if I want to become a nurse?
Great Bay Community College's nursing program offers solid financial returns with graduates earning $59,011 annually. The program provides good value given the school's lower costs, making it a reasonable choice for nursing students in New Hampshire.