At $6,994/yr net price, Kennebec Valley Community College graduates earn $36,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,035/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,994 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,035/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,255 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,716/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,251/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,712/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,325/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $55,512 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,252 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,305 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $43,798 | $5,500 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $40,647 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,711 | $15,000 |
| Marketing. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
47.8% of students at Kennebec Valley Community 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
Kennebec Valley Community College offers solid returns for healthcare and skilled trades programs, but your financial outcomes depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $6,994 annual net price makes it affordable, though the 47.8% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs.
Healthcare programs deliver the strongest returns. Allied health diagnostic programs produce graduates earning $55,512 annually, while registered nursing graduates earn $54,252. Even with nursing's higher debt load of $20,000, you'll see strong payback given Maine's healthcare job market. Environmental control technology and electrical power transmission programs also pay well, with electrical installers carrying minimal debt of just $5,500.
Your biggest financial risk is program completion. If you're among the 52% who don't graduate, you'll face debt without the credential needed for higher-paying positions. The median debt of $13,255 stays manageable for completers, but becomes problematic if you leave early.
This school works best if you're focused on practical, in-demand skills rather than transfer preparation. Healthcare and trades programs align well with central Maine's job market, where technical skills command premium wages. Skip KVCC if you're unsure about your major or planning to transfer to a four-year school, since the completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish.
Only 31% of students receive aid, indicating limited financial assistance beyond standard federal programs. Your best strategy is choosing a high-earning program and completing it quickly to minimize costs and maximize your return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kennebec Valley Community College worth the cost?
KVCC offers decent value for students who graduate in healthcare fields, with nursing and allied health programs leading to salaries above $45,000. However, the overall median earnings of $36,035 ten years after enrollment are relatively low, and nearly half of students don't graduate.
What are the best paying programs at Kennebec Valley Community College?
Healthcare programs dominate the top earners, with allied health diagnostic programs averaging $55,512 and registered nursing at $54,252. Electrical and power transmission installer programs also pay well at $43,798, significantly above the school's overall median.
How much debt do Kennebec Valley Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $13,255, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This debt level is reasonable for healthcare graduates earning $45,000-$55,000, but may be harder to repay on the overall median salary of $36,035.
What is the graduation rate at Kennebec Valley Community College?
Only 47.8% of students graduate from KVCC, meaning more than half don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that potential students should consider when evaluating the investment.