At $4,620/yr net price, Guam Community College graduates earn $27,820/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,620 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,480 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,820/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,180/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,964/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,938/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,060/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,271/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,870/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $26,121 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $23,456 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,771 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $22,766 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $19,455 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 | |
| Education, Other. | Associate | $17,859 |
The Risk Factor
22.4% of students at Guam 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
Guam Community College delivers modest financial returns that reflect the island's limited economic opportunities and wage constraints. With median earnings of $27,820 ten years after graduation against a net price of $4,620 annually, you get reasonable value per dollar spent, though absolute earning potential remains constrained by Guam's small job market.
Practical nursing provides the strongest career path, with graduates earning $28,960 annually in a field with consistent local demand. Design and applied arts graduates earn $26,121, which represents solid returns given the creative sector's typical volatility. Accounting offers stable employment prospects at $25,194, while culinary arts and criminal justice lag behind at $23,456 and $22,771 respectively.
The major financial risk lies in Guam's geographic isolation limiting career mobility. You face fewer job options than mainland graduates, making program choice critical since switching careers often requires leaving the island. The 22% graduation rate signals potential academic support challenges that could extend your time to completion and increase total costs.
This school works best if you plan to build your career on Guam and want affordable training for local industries. Healthcare, government, and tourism sectors offer the most stable employment. You should look elsewhere if you need higher earning potential or want access to diverse career paths that require mainland opportunities.
With over half of students receiving financial aid, federal Pell Grants typically cover most costs for qualifying residents. The low net price makes this accessible even without significant merit aid, though you should verify residency requirements and military education benefits if applicable to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guam Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $4,620 per year and graduates earning $27,820 after 10 years, Guam Community College offers decent value for the cost. However, the 22% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Guam Community College?
Practical nursing graduates from Guam Community College earn around $28,960, making it the highest-paying program. Design and applied arts ($26,121) and accounting ($25,194) also offer reasonable returns on investment.
How much debt do Guam Community College graduates have?
At $4,620 per year, Guam Community College is affordable compared to most colleges. Students who complete programs in two years would pay around $9,240 total, keeping debt manageable for most families.
Why is Guam Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 22% of students graduate from Guam Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a credential that improves their job prospects.