At $8,081/yr net price, Greenfield Community College graduates earn $37,132/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,132/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,081 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,132/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,132/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,307 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,918/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,344/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,296/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,990/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 | $57,995 | $11,417 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $47,729 | $6,819 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,824 | $9,000 |
| Outdoor Education. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
21.7% of students at Greenfield 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
Greenfield Community College delivers strong returns if you choose nursing but offers weak financial prospects for most other programs. The nursing programs stand out with registered nurses earning $58,000 annually against moderate debt loads, making this your best path to financial success at this school.
Your program choice makes or breaks your investment here. Practical nursing graduates earn $48,000 with just $6,800 in debt, creating excellent ROI. Business graduates face a harder reality with earnings barely above $29,000. Liberal arts majors earn only $23,000 while carrying $9,000 in debt, making this program a poor financial choice. Outdoor education pays just $20,000, well below living wages in Massachusetts.
The 22% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you need to complete your program to see any return. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without credentials, losing their investment entirely. The low debt levels help limit damage if you don't finish, but incomplete programs still waste time and money.
You should consider Greenfield if you want nursing training at a reasonable cost and can handle the academic demands. The school works well for career changers seeking practical nursing skills or students planning to transfer after completing prerequisites. Skip this school if you want liberal arts education, outdoor recreation careers, or lack strong academic preparation for the nursing programs.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing quickly to minimize costs and maximize your chances of finishing before running out of funding or motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greenfield Community College worth the money?
Greenfield Community College offers decent value if you pursue nursing programs, which lead to median earnings of $47,000-$58,000. However, the 22% graduation rate is concerning, and liberal arts graduates earn only $22,824 after 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Greenfield Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Greenfield Community College produce the highest earnings at nearly $58,000 annually. Practical nursing follows at $47,729, while business graduates earn $28,960.
How much debt do Greenfield Community College graduates have?
Greenfield Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,307, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of $8,081 per year helps keep borrowing minimal.
What is the graduation rate at Greenfield Community College?
Only 22% of students graduate from Greenfield Community College within normal timeframes. This low completion rate means many students leave without a degree while still owing money.