At $13,362/yr net price, Hocking College graduates earn $37,791/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,791/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,362 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,791/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,791/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,584 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,187/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,309/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,970/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,303/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,749/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 | $52,684 | $15,750 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $13,234 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,055 | $12,000 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Associate | $26,519 | $11,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Associate | $23,456 | $14,906 |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Associate | $22,329 | $11,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Associate | $17,859 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Hocking 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
Hocking College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $52,684 annually against $15,750 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment, especially given Ohio's growing healthcare sector.
Most other programs struggle financially. Wildlife management graduates earn just $26,519 with $11,000 in debt, creating a challenging payback scenario in a field with limited local opportunities. Criminal justice majors face similar constraints at $28,055 in earnings. The 29% graduation rate compounds these risks, meaning you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential.
The low median debt of $11,584 helps contain downside risk, but the $13,362 annual net price still creates financial pressure when paired with modest earning outcomes. Your best financial strategy involves targeting the nursing or allied health programs where job demand in southeastern Ohio supports higher wages.
This school works financially if you can complete the nursing program or need affordable technical training close to home. The regional job market limits opportunities for most other majors, making completion in high-demand healthcare fields essential for positive returns. Students seeking four-year degrees or careers requiring metropolitan job markets should consider other options.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, as the low graduation rate indicates many students extend their time and expenses without finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hocking College worth the money?
Hocking College has a low net price at $13,362 per year, but graduates earn only $37,791 ten years after enrollment. The 29% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at Hocking College?
Nursing programs at Hocking College offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $52,684. Allied health programs pay about $38,289, while other popular programs like criminal justice and wildlife management pay significantly less at $28,055 and $26,519 respectively.
How much debt do Hocking College students graduate with?
Hocking College graduates have a median debt of $11,584, which is relatively low compared to many schools. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Hocking College have good job placement after graduation?
While Hocking College focuses on career training, the 10-year median earnings of $37,791 suggest mixed job market success. Nursing and allied health graduates do better, but other programs may struggle to provide strong career outcomes.