At $5,782/yr net price, Madisonville Community College graduates earn $35,733/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,733/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,782 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,733/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,733/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,450 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,556/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,681/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,716/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,098/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,876/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $65,657 | $5,750 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,273 | $5,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $47,260 | $9,776 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,017 | $10,457 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,848 | $7,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,192 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,921 | $7,825 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $9,167 |
The Risk Factor
55.0% of students at Madisonville 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
Madisonville Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with a low net price of $5,782 annually and manageable debt levels that make the investment worthwhile for most graduates.
The Allied Health Diagnostic program stands out as the financial winner, generating $65,657 in median earnings with just $5,750 in debt. Electromechanical Instrumentation follows closely at $51,273 with even lower debt of $5,125. These technical programs align well with regional manufacturing and healthcare demand in western Kentucky, giving graduates immediate earning power that justifies the modest investment.
Nursing provides steady middle-income potential at $47,260, though the higher debt load of $9,776 means a longer payback period compared to other health programs. Medical Assisting offers the most accessible entry point with $7,500 in debt leading to $36,848 in earnings.
The 55% graduation rate presents the primary financial risk. You need to complete your program to see returns, and nearly half of students do not finish. The school works well for students with clear career goals in healthcare or manufacturing who can commit to completion.
With only 28.6% of students receiving aid, most pay the full net price, but the low sticker price makes this manageable for working adults and local residents. You should avoid this school if you need extensive academic support or plan to transfer to a four-year program, as the completion challenges could derail your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madisonville Community College worth the cost?
Madisonville Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $5,782 per year and manageable debt of $8,450. However, the 10-year median earnings of $35,733 are modest, making this most worthwhile for students in high-paying programs like allied health or nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Madisonville Community College?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with $65,657 in median earnings, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $51,273 and nursing at $47,260. These programs offer much stronger returns than the overall school average of $35,733.
How much debt do Madisonville Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $8,450 in debt, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps offset the modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Madisonville Community College?
The graduation rate is 55%, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially if you're considering lower-paying career paths.