At $5,725/yr net price, Macomb Community College graduates earn $41,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,725 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,136/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,993/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,873/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,390/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,688/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 | $56,993 | $5,493 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,906 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $37,808 | $4,802 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,748 | $7,049 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $36,134 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Marketing. | Associate | $30,984 |
The Risk Factor
16.1% of students at Macomb 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
Macomb Community College delivers solid returns for career-focused students, particularly those pursuing nursing or healthcare programs. The registered nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,993 annually while carrying minimal debt of $5,493, making it one of the strongest ROI propositions in Michigan community college education.
Your financial risk here is relatively low given the $5,725 annual net price and median debt of just $6,000. The graduation rate of 16% reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or leave for jobs before completing degrees, which doesn't necessarily indicate poor outcomes for those who stay focused on career preparation.
Healthcare and allied health programs consistently outperform other offerings. Beyond nursing, medical assisting services and diagnostic programs provide solid middle-class earnings potential. Business and IT programs lag behind with lower starting salaries that may not justify even the modest costs if you're seeking immediate career entry.
This school works best for students who know exactly what career they want and can commit to program completion. The strong nursing program alone makes Macomb worth considering if you're Detroit-area based and want healthcare credentials without university debt. Skip this option if you're exploring general education or need extensive academic support, as the low completion rates suggest limited student services infrastructure.
Financial aid reaches only 33% of students, indicating many pay the full sticker price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize the return on your investment, as the earnings data shows clear payoffs for graduates who finish their credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macomb Community College worth the money?
Macomb Community College offers good value with low costs ($5,725 per year) and minimal debt ($6,000 median), but the 16% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing programs provide strong returns at $57,000 in earnings, while other programs show modest gains.
What are the best paying programs at Macomb Community College?
Nursing programs at Macomb Community College lead in earnings at $57,000 annually, followed by allied health services at $39,000. Business and IT programs generate lower returns around $36,000-$38,000.
How much debt will I have after Macomb Community College?
Macomb Community College graduates typically carry $6,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $5,725 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Macomb Community College?
Only 16% of students graduate from Macomb Community College within the tracked timeframe. This low completion rate means many students either transfer, drop out, or take longer to finish their programs.