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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns $35,831 after ten years, which is low, and only about a quarter of students finish. But the nursing associate degree stands apart: graduates earn nearly $55,000, roughly $20,000 more than the school's median. That one program pays off. Most others don't clear the median by much.
The clearest win is Registered Nursing. It carries higher debt than other tracks, around $17,000, but the earnings justify it. Allied Health credentials land in the high $30,000s whether you take the certificate or the associate, so the shorter certificate path costs you less time for similar pay. Precision Metal Working and Vehicle Maintenance sit lower, in the $30,000 and $29,000 range, which is close to the school's overall median and won't move you far ahead financially.
The main risk here is the 26% graduation rate. If you enroll and don't finish, you carry cost with no credential to show for it, and the median debt of about $13,000 becomes dead weight without the nursing salary to pay it down. Pick a program with weak earnings and you're paying real money for a small return.
Net price runs about $7,100 a year if your family earns under $30,000 and climbs past $15,000 above $110,000. For lower-income families aiming at nursing, the math works. For anyone paying the top-tier price to enter the metalworking or vehicle repair tracks, the return is thin.
This school fits you if you're set on nursing or allied health and live in the Grayling region. If you're undecided or drawn to the lower-paying trades, look at the expected earnings before you commit.
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.