At $7,118/yr net price, Hudson Valley Community College graduates earn $45,460/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,460/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,118 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,460/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,460/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,200/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,463/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,312/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,350/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,224/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $67,324 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $62,508 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,640 | $16,100 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,964 | $13,209 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $55,286 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $51,652 | $11,995 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,136 | $16,250 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Associate | $48,041 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $44,728 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
33.0% of students at Hudson Valley 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
Hudson Valley Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose high-demand technical programs, but your major selection will make or break the investment.
The strongest ROI comes from industrial production technologies, which produce median earnings of $67,324 within ten years of graduation. Allied health diagnostic programs and nursing also perform well, with graduates earning between $55,964 and $62,508 annually. These programs align with the Capital Region's manufacturing base and healthcare demand, giving you realistic pathways to middle-class incomes.
The school's low net price of $7,118 annually makes even modest earning gains financially worthwhile. With median debt under $11,000, you avoid the crushing loan burdens that plague four-year graduates. However, nursing students should expect higher debt loads around $16,100.
The major financial risk lies in program selection. While top programs deliver strong returns, many community college offerings lead to limited earning potential. The 33% graduation rate also signals completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no credential.
This school works best if you want specific technical training for regional employers or plan to transfer to a four-year institution. Adult learners seeking career changes into healthcare or manufacturing will find good value. Avoid Hudson Valley if you need extensive student support services or want a traditional college experience.
Since only 28% of students receive financial aid, most pay the sticker price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, and research which local employers actively hire from your chosen program before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hudson Valley Community College worth the money?
Hudson Valley Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $7,118 per year and manageable debt levels around $10,625. However, the 33% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Hudson Valley Community College?
Industrial production technology leads earnings at $67,324, followed by allied health programs at $62,508 and nursing at $59,640. These technical and healthcare programs offer strong earning potential that justifies the investment.
How much debt do Hudson Valley Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically carry $10,625 in debt, which is manageable for a community college. The low tuition costs help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
Do Hudson Valley Community College graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $45,460 ten years after enrollment, with significant variation by program. Technical and healthcare programs show much stronger earning potential than the overall average.