At $5,202/yr net price, Indian River State College graduates earn $38,315/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,315/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,202 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,315/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,315/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,023 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,763/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,857/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,465/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,902/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,878/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. | Bachelor | $66,461 | $7,250 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $48,432 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $47,260 | $6,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,909 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,523 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,769 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
42.5% of students at Indian River State 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
Indian River State College offers solid financial returns for career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing programs deliver strong ROI, with graduates earning $66,461 annually while carrying just $7,250 in debt. Medical laboratory science also performs well at $57,318 yearly.
The college's low $5,202 net price and modest $8,023 median debt load work in your favor, especially compared to four-year universities. However, the 42.5% graduation rate presents real completion risk. If you don't finish, you lose both time and money without gaining the credential that unlocks higher earnings.
Criminal justice graduates earn $48,432, which provides decent returns given the low debt levels. Accounting majors see more modest outcomes at $42,123 annually. The college's other programs show weaker earning potential, making program selection critical to your financial success.
This school works best if you're targeting specific career training in healthcare or technical fields where employers value credentials over prestige. The regional job market in Florida's Treasure Coast supports these practical programs. You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional four-year experience or plan to pursue fields requiring advanced degrees.
Only 33% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most families can handle the low sticker price. The college's merit scholarship opportunities remain limited compared to larger institutions, but the base cost stays manageable for most Florida residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indian River State College worth the cost?
Indian River State College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,202 per year and modest debt levels around $8,000. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What programs at Indian River State College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $66,461 annually, followed by medical lab science at $57,318. Criminal justice and accounting programs show more modest returns at $48,432 and $42,123 respectively.
How much debt do Indian River State College graduates typically have?
Median debt is relatively low at $8,023, making monthly payments manageable for most graduates. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
Do Indian River State College graduates earn good salaries?
Average earnings of $38,315 ten years after enrollment are below the national average for college graduates. Strong programs like nursing significantly outperform this average, while other fields may struggle to justify the investment.