At $5,359/yr net price, Highland Community College graduates earn $37,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,928/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,359 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,928/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,029 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,506/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,321/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,903/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,274/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,397/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 | $53,497 | $12,786 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $24,730 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,781 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
46.0% of students at Highland Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Highland Community College delivers solid financial returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program justifies its higher debt load with median earnings of $53,497, creating a strong pathway to middle-class income in the regional healthcare market.
Your other program options present financial challenges. Liberal arts graduates earn just $21,781 annually while carrying $8,000 in debt, and biological sciences majors face even steeper obstacles with earnings of $24,730. These outcomes reflect limited high-paying job opportunities in the Freeport area for graduates without specialized technical skills.
The school's 46% graduation rate creates additional financial risk since you receive no earnings benefit without completing your program. At $5,359 annually, Highland costs less than many community colleges, but the low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without credentials.
Highland works financially if you plan to enter nursing and can handle the program's demands. The regional healthcare market supports these graduates well, and the debt-to-income ratio remains manageable. You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts or sciences preparation for transfer to a four-year school, as the weak earnings outcomes suggest poor preparation or limited transfer success.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, indicating either a financially stable student body or limited aid availability. Focus your aid applications on federal grants and state programs rather than expecting significant institutional support from Highland itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highland Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Highland Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,359 per year and minimal debt at graduation ($8,029 median). However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What Highland Community College programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Highland Community College show strong earnings potential at $53,497 annually, making them worthwhile investments. Liberal arts graduates earn much less at $21,781, barely above the poverty line for many areas.
How much debt do Highland Community College graduates typically have?
Highland Community College graduates have relatively low debt with a median of $8,029. This manageable debt load makes the school less risky than four-year institutions, even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Do Highland Community College graduates earn enough to justify the education cost?
Highland Community College graduates earn $37,928 on average after 10 years, which covers the low cost of attendance. The return depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing graduates earning significantly more than liberal arts students.