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 keeps your costs low and your debt small, which is the whole case for going here. At roughly $3,000 a year in net price, you can finish an associate degree owing less than $10,000, and some programs cost even less to carry. That low price is the buffer that makes the modest median earnings tolerable.
The health programs are where the money is. Registered nursing graduates clear the low-$50,000s, and allied health and dental support both land in the high-$40,000s. Those three fields pay enough to justify the debt they carry, even the $13,000 nursing graduates take on. If you enroll here, aim for one of them.
The engineering technology tracks are weaker. General engineering technology graduates earn in the mid-$30,000s while borrowing more than dental students who out-earn them by over $10,000. That combination of higher debt and lower pay makes it the worst trade on this list.
The real risk here is finishing at all. Fewer than a quarter of students graduate, and none of these salary figures apply to you if you leave without the credential. Low tuition does not protect you from the years and money spent on an unfinished degree.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most: under $30,000, you pay under $900 a year, while families above $110,000 pay closer to $8,700. At every income level the price stays affordable, so cost is rarely the reason to look elsewhere.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or allied health credential without debt, or a cheap start before transferring. Look elsewhere if you want the general engineering technology path, since the pay does not match the borrowing.
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.