At $7,144/yr net price, Marshalltown Community College graduates earn $41,010/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,010/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,144 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,010/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,010/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,712/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,229/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,269/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,418/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,254/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 | $46,478 | $17,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,669 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,904 | $8,962 |
The Risk Factor
37.4% of students at Marshalltown 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
Marshalltown Community College offers weak financial returns for most programs, with median earnings barely exceeding $40,000 ten years after graduation. Your investment faces significant headwinds from a graduation rate below 40%, meaning more than half of students never complete their programs.
The registered nursing program stands out as the only clear financial winner, generating median earnings of $46,478 annually. However, nursing students carry nearly double the debt load at $17,000 compared to the school average. Allied health programs produce disappointing returns at just $27,669 in median earnings, while liberal arts graduates earn only $24,904 despite relatively low debt of $8,962.
Your biggest financial risk at Marshalltown is program completion. With graduation rates this low, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The regional job market in central Iowa limits opportunities for community college graduates, particularly outside healthcare fields.
Marshalltown makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the nursing program and have strong academic preparation to complete it successfully. The school also works for students seeking the cheapest possible path to basic college credits before transferring, given the low net price of $7,144 annually.
Skip Marshalltown if you want liberal arts education or allied health training. The earnings data shows these programs fail to generate adequate returns on your investment. Students receiving financial aid represent only 21% of enrollment, suggesting limited institutional grant money available beyond federal programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marshalltown Community College worth the cost?
Marshalltown Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,144 per year and modest debt levels around $9,500. However, the 37% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $41,010 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Marshalltown Community College?
Nursing programs at Marshalltown Community College offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $46,478 annually. Allied health programs pay moderately well at $27,669, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $24,904.
How much debt do Marshalltown Community College students typically graduate with?
Marshalltown Community College students graduate with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of $7,144 per year helps keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Marshalltown Community College?
Only 37% of students graduate from Marshalltown Community College, which is below the national average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials and may struggle to see returns on their investment.