At $6,860/yr net price, Holyoke Community College graduates earn $37,277/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,277/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,860 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,440 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,277/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,277/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,173/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,581/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,588/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,901/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,132/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 | $63,855 | $11,690 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,941 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $42,309 | $5,590 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 | $7,874 |
| Social Work. | Associate | $27,204 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,058 | $7,184 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $24,035 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Associate | $21,894 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,921 |
The Risk Factor
31.8% of students at Holyoke 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
Holyoke Community College offers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but the overall picture is mixed. The low net price of $6,860 per year makes this one of the more affordable options in Massachusetts, and modest debt loads keep financial risk manageable for most students.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,855 annually compared to the college median of $37,277. Even with higher debt of $11,690, nursing students see strong returns that justify the investment. Criminal Justice also performs well at $42,309 in earnings with just $5,590 in debt, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious students.
Business Administration presents a tougher case. At $33,281 in earnings with $7,874 in debt, your return barely exceeds what many high school graduates earn locally. Social Work shows the weakest financial outlook at $27,204 annually, though debt data is unavailable for comparison.
The 31.8% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk here. Nearly seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with academic consistency or lack clear career goals, this risk becomes more pronounced.
This school works best for students with specific career targets in nursing or criminal justice who can complete their programs efficiently. The low cost makes it reasonable for students planning to transfer to four-year schools. However, if you need extensive support services or prefer smaller class sizes, you might find better value elsewhere despite higher upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holyoke Community College worth the cost?
At $6,860 per year with median debt of just $8,250, Holyoke Community College offers good value for students who complete their programs. The low cost makes it affordable even with below-average graduation rates, but success depends heavily on your chosen field and whether you finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Holyoke Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $63,855 median earnings, followed by allied health at $52,941. Business and criminal justice graduates earn $33,281 and $42,309 respectively, while social work graduates average just $27,204.
How much student debt do Holyoke Community College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $8,250, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with the school's 32% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Do Holyoke Community College graduates make good money?
Overall graduate earnings of $37,277 are modest, but nursing and healthcare graduates earn significantly more. The school works best as affordable preparation for healthcare careers or as a stepping stone to transfer to four-year programs.