At $9,615/yr net price, Kirtland Community College graduates earn $35,831/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,831/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,615 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,831/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,831/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,067 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,115/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,339/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,800/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,546/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,227/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 | $54,894 | $17,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,585 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | $15,964 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,822 | $8,308 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,710 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,329 |
The Risk Factor
25.9% of students at Kirtland 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
Kirtland Community College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $35,831 ten years after enrollment and an alarmingly low 25.9% graduation rate. Your chances of completing a program here are roughly one in four.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $54,894 in median earnings that justify the $17,000 in debt. Allied health programs also perform reasonably well at around $39,000 annually. However, vehicle repair and precision metalworking programs lead to below-average earnings that barely exceed what you might earn without college.
The biggest risk at Kirtland is simply not finishing. With three-quarters of students failing to graduate, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The $13,067 median debt load appears manageable, but only if you actually complete your program.
This school makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the nursing program and are confident in your ability to finish. The rural northern Michigan location limits job opportunities, making healthcare one of the few stable career paths in the region.
You should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or higher earning potential. The low graduation rate suggests weak academic support systems that could leave you with debt and no degree. Only 34% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited scholarship opportunities.
Consider Kirtland only for nursing or allied health if you need to stay in the region and can commit fully to completion. The numbers show most students here do not achieve positive financial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kirtland Community College worth the money?
Kirtland Community College offers decent value for nursing students, with RN graduates earning around $55,000 annually. However, the 26% graduation rate is concerning, and most other programs lead to below-average earnings of $36,000 ten years after enrollment.
What are the best paying programs at Kirtland Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Kirtland Community College, with graduates earning $54,894 annually. Allied health programs pay around $39,000, while automotive and metal working programs typically lead to earnings under $34,000.
How much debt do Kirtland Community College students graduate with?
Kirtland Community College graduates have a median debt of $13,067, which is manageable for nursing graduates but risky for students in lower-paying programs. With many graduates earning under $36,000, debt payments could strain budgets.
What is the graduation rate at Kirtland Community College?
Only 26% of students graduate from Kirtland Community College. This low completion rate means most students leave without a degree, making the investment particularly risky for anyone not fully committed to finishing their program.