At $19,164/yr net price, Keene State College graduates earn $54,368/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,368/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,164 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,749 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,111/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,049/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,816/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,423/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,020/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 | $62,839 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $55,693 | $26,259 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $49,980 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,542 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $43,575 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,789 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $26,000 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $40,461 | $26,860 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $40,368 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
58.4% of students at Keene 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
Keene State College delivers modest financial returns that fall short of what you'd expect from a four-year degree investment. With median post-graduation earnings of $54,368 and typical debt loads of $25,749, your financial picture improves slowly after leaving campus.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, generating nearly $63,000 in median earnings despite slightly higher debt. Computer science also delivers solid returns above the school average. However, most other programs underperform significantly. Special education graduates earn just $44,542 annually, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio that extends repayment timelines.
Keene State's 58% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll carry debt without the earning power to justify it. The 78% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic transition or find better options elsewhere.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or computer science and can complete your degree within four years. The relatively low net price of $19,164 helps, but only if you graduate and enter a field with decent earning potential in New Hampshire's limited job market.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts majors, education outside of special needs, or if you have concerns about finishing college. The combination of below-average graduation rates and weak earnings in most fields creates too much downside risk. Students seeking stronger career services, alumni networks, or access to higher-paying regional job markets will find better options at New Hampshire's flagship university or private colleges with more strong career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keene State College worth the money?
Keene State College graduates earn $54,368 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $25,749 median debt students typically carry. The nursing programs offer better returns with $62,839 average earnings, but most other majors struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Keene State College?
Nursing programs at Keene State College lead earnings at $62,839, followed by computer science at $55,693. Education and chemistry majors earn significantly less at $44,542 and $43,798 respectively, making debt repayment more challenging.
How much student debt do Keene State College graduates have?
Keene State College graduates carry a median debt of $25,749. With average earnings of $54,368 ten years out, most graduates face a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio of about 47%.
Does Keene State College have a good graduation rate?
Keene State College has a 58% graduation rate, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This completion risk adds to the financial uncertainty, especially for students considering lower-paying majors outside of nursing.