At $10,651/yr net price, Inver Hills Community College graduates earn $49,898/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,898/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,651 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,898/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,898/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,965 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,622/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,235/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,713/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,263/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,005/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $62,012 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $57,189 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,776 | $16,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $49,683 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $43,426 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $40,551 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,829 | $17,022 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 | $17,000 |
The Risk Factor
19.1% of students at Inver Hills 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
Inver Hills Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete healthcare and technical programs, but the school's 19% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for your investment.
The healthcare programs offer your best shot at strong earnings. Nursing graduates earn $56,776 annually with manageable debt of $16,250, while allied health diagnostic programs reach $62,012. Computer networking also performs well at $57,189. These figures put graduates in good position within Minnesota's Twin Cities job market, where healthcare demand remains high.
Your biggest financial risk is not finishing. With only one in five students graduating, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The low completion rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or life circumstances that pull them away from their studies.
This school works financially if you enter a high-earning program like nursing or allied health and have strong motivation to complete your degree. The $10,651 annual cost keeps debt reasonable for those who finish. You should look elsewhere if you lack clear career direction or struggle with college-level coursework, given the completion challenges.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, indicating most pay close to full price. This low aid percentage means you should not expect significant grant assistance to reduce costs. The school's community college pricing already represents the main affordability advantage rather than additional scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inver Hills Community College worth the cost?
Inver Hills Community College offers reasonable value with a net price of $10,651 annually and median debt of $13,965, but the 19% graduation rate is concerning. Healthcare and tech programs show strong earning potential, with allied health graduates earning up to $62,012.
What programs at Inver Hills Community College have the best ROI?
Allied Health programs lead with graduates earning $50,856-$62,012, followed by computer networking ($57,189) and nursing ($56,776). These programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $49,898.
How much debt do Inver Hills Community College students typically graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $13,965, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, only 19% of students actually complete their programs, meaning many leave with debt but no degree.
What is the biggest risk of attending Inver Hills Community College?
The 19% graduation rate means four out of five students don't finish their programs. Students who don't graduate often still carry debt without the earning benefits of a completed credential.