At $2,991/yr net price, Kalamazoo Valley Community College graduates earn $38,618/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,618/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,991 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,618/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,618/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,699 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $888/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,029/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,214/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,707/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,714/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 | $51,337 | $13,463 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,549 | $10,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,478 | $9,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $35,594 | $12,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,459 | $12,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,236 | $7,600 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $25,967 |
The Risk Factor
22.6% of students at Kalamazoo 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
Kalamazoo Valley Community College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with median earnings of $51,337 and manageable debt of $13,463, creating a clear path to middle-class income in Michigan's healthcare job market.
Healthcare programs dominate the earnings rankings. Allied health diagnostic professions earn $49,549 with just $10,750 in debt, while dental support services reach $46,478 with only $9,000 borrowed. These programs align well with Southwest Michigan's hospital systems and medical facilities that consistently hire community college graduates.
Engineering technology programs show mixed results. Electrical engineering technology graduates earn $43,798, but general engineering technology pays just $35,594 with $12,000 in debt. This gap reflects the regional job market's preference for specialized technical skills over broad engineering knowledge.
The school's 22.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Most students who enroll never finish their programs, meaning they accumulate debt and time costs without earning credentials. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-paying programs where the degree premium matters most.
You should choose KVCC if you can commit to nursing, allied health, or electrical technology programs and have the academic preparation to finish. The $2,991 annual net price makes these career-focused programs genuine bargains. Avoid KVCC if you need extensive academic support, want transfer credits for a four-year degree, or plan to study programs outside healthcare and technical fields. The combination of low graduation rates and limited high-paying program options makes this school financially risky for uncommitted students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalamazoo Valley Community College worth the cost?
At $2,991 per year, Kalamazoo Valley offers low-cost education, but the 22.6% graduation rate and $38,618 average earnings suggest mixed value. Students in nursing and allied health programs see much better returns than the overall average.
What are the highest paying programs at Kalamazoo Valley Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $51,337 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $49,549. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall average earnings of $38,618.
How much debt do Kalamazoo Valley Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $9,699, which is relatively manageable for a community college. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Kalamazoo Valley Community College?
Only 22.6% of students graduate, which is concerning for return on investment. This means most students either transfer or leave without completing their credentials at KVCC.