At $10,530/yr net price, Herkimer County Community College graduates earn $39,199/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,199/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,530 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,199/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,199/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,365 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,203/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,988/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,490/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,354/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,032/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,356 | $15,352 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $37,424 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | $12,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | $12,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,797 | $10,961 |
The Risk Factor
28.0% of students at Herkimer County 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
Herkimer County Community College delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation across programs. Your earnings potential depends heavily on which major you choose.
Allied Health programs offer the strongest ROI at this school, generating median earnings of $44,356 annually. While you'll graduate with slightly higher debt at $15,352, the income boost justifies the extra borrowing compared to other majors here. These programs connect directly to growing healthcare demand in upstate New York's aging communities.
Accounting provides solid middle-ground returns at $37,424 yearly, making it a safer financial choice than the liberal arts track. Criminal Justice and Business Administration both lead to identical $29,685 salaries, which barely cover living expenses in many parts of New York state.
Liberal Arts presents the school's weakest financial outcome, with graduates earning just $19,797 annually while carrying nearly $11,000 in debt. This pathway makes financial sense only if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution immediately.
The school's 28% graduation rate creates substantial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your degree, leaving you in a worse financial position than when you started.
Herkimer works best financially if you're targeting healthcare careers or need affordable accounting credentials. You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts or if you're uncertain about completing your program. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, so strong academic preparation and clear career focus become essential for protecting your investment.
With 40% of students receiving financial aid and relatively low debt loads, affordability remains this school's primary advantage over four-year alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herkimer County Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $10,530 per year and median earnings of $39,199 after 10 years, Herkimer offers decent value for a community college. However, the 28% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
Which programs at Herkimer County Community College have the best ROI?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning $44,356 annually. Liberal Arts graduates earn just $19,797, making it the weakest financial choice among major programs.
How much debt do Herkimer County Community College students typically graduate with?
Students who complete programs at Herkimer graduate with a median debt of $11,365. This is relatively low debt, but the poor 28% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Herkimer County Community College?
Job prospects vary significantly by program at Herkimer. Allied Health graduates earn decent wages at $44,356, while Criminal Justice and Business graduates earn around $29,685, which is below the national average for college graduates.